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Katanning

WA 6317 • Rest of WA

3,637
Population (2021)
$68,016
Median Household Income
135.94 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
RegionalRuralAgriculturalHistoricMulticultural
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About Katanning

Katanning is a regional town in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, situated 277 kilometres south-east of Perth on the Great Southern Highway. With a population of approximately 3,641 at the 2021 census, it serves as an important service hub for surrounding farming communities. The town was established in 1898 and takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning "head meeting place" or "camping place", reflecting the area's long Indigenous history. Katanning is known for its cultural diversity, particularly its significant Muslim community associated with the local halal abattoir, making it one of the more multicultural regional towns in WA.

Katanning offers a full suite of regional services including a hospital, secondary school, recreational facilities, and a busy commercial centre along Austral Terrace. The local economy is driven by agriculture — particularly sheep and grain — and the Katanning Abattoir, which is a major regional employer. Residents enjoy a relaxed country lifestyle with access to sports clubs, community events, and the natural beauty of the surrounding wheatbelt landscape. The town appeals to those seeking affordable regional living with strong community ties and a multicultural character uncommon in towns of its size.

Katanning falls under postcode 6317 and is governed by the Katanning Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of O'connor, while state elections fall under the Roe electorate.

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📰 Western Australia Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6317
Urban Area
Katanning
LGA / Council
Katanning
Federal Electorate
O'connor
State Electorate
Roe
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.68°, 117.57°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
135.94 km²
Population Density
27 /km²
Elevation
321m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 6317

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 6317, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,619
Median 2023–24
$54,080
▲ 18.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,547

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 6317; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$34,476
Personal Income 2021
$36,296
▲ 5.3% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$36,296 / yr
$698/wk
Household
$68,016 / yr
$1308/wk
Family
$82,940 / yr
$1595/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,005
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.3%

108 state housing + 14 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Katanning
0.5 km
8

Bus Services

  • Transwa coach services — Perth / Albany 3h 30min to Perth

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
277 km
By Bus
~3h 30min via Transwa coach
By Car (Peak)
~3h
By Car (Off-Peak)
~3h

🛣️ Katanning is primarily car-accessed from Perth. Transwa operates coach services. Albany (170km south) is the nearest large regional city.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most of Katanning's core services are accessible on foot within the town centre, but a car is essential for travelling to Perth or surrounding rural areas.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Clive Street Katanning 6317 WA

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,687
Census 2021
3,637
▼ 1.4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,383
Born Overseas 835

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Myanmar 134
  • 2. New Zealand 129
  • 3. England 108
  • 4. Thailand 74
  • 5. South Africa 42
  • 6. Philippines 37
  • 7. Malaysia 31
  • 8. Afghanistan 30
  • 9. China 19
  • 10. Singapore 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,168
English 1,144
Australian Aboriginal 308
Scottish 206
Irish 186
Italian 127
German 115
Maori 108
Dutch 58
Filipino 46

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,756
Both parents born in Australia
1,043
Both parents born overseas
420
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
41.2%
No Religion
34.5%
Islam
9.3%
Buddhism
2.0%
Hinduism
0.4%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
245 (6.7%)
5-14 years
454 (12.5%)
15-19 years
234 (6.4%)
20-24 years
229 (6.3%)
25-34 years
485 (13.3%)
35-44 years
428 (11.8%)
45-54 years
426 (11.7%)
55-64 years
454 (12.5%)
65-74 years
375 (10.3%)
75-84 years
219 (6.0%)
85+ years
92 (2.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Katanning known for? +

Katanning is uniquely known for its thriving Muslim community — centred on the historic Afghan mosque — and diverse multicultural population, which developed around the halal processing industry. The town also has historical connections to WA's pastoral industry with significant heritage buildings.

How far is Katanning from Perth? +

Katanning is approximately 280 kilometres south of Perth, around a 3 hour drive via the Albany Highway.

Does Katanning have public transport? +

Katanning is connected to Perth by Transwa coach services (approximately 3.5-4 hours). There is no passenger train to Katanning.

What is the population of Katanning? +

According to the 2021 Census, Katanning has a population of approximately 3,637 residents, with a notably diverse multicultural demographic.

Is Katanning a good place to live? +

Katanning is a fascinating multicultural agricultural town with an extraordinary diversity of cultures and cuisines for a small Great Southern town. It suits those working in the agricultural sector and those who value a uniquely cosmopolitan regional community.

What is the postcode for Katanning? +

The postcode for Katanning is 6317.

What is the average income in Katanning? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Katanning is about $698 per week (around $36,300 per year). The median household income is $1,308 per week and the median family income is $1,595 per week.

What is the age profile of Katanning? +

The median age in Katanning is 38. The largest age group is 25–34 (485 residents, around 13%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Katanning? +

In Katanning, the median weekly rent is $200, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,005 (2021 Census).