Weipa

Weipa has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Weipa's population is around 4,304 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 207 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,097 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,281 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 272 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Weipa's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 77.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to increase by 157 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Weipa recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Weipa has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 37 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.6 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $623,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $9.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Weipa has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (64.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location has approximately 325 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Looking ahead, Weipa is expected to grow by 134 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Weipa has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, the Queensland Energy Roadmap, and the Queensland Energy Roadmap, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Weipa rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Weipa has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. As of December 2025, 2,756 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (85.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 11.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 2.1% alongside a 2.0% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Weipa. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Weipa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 11.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Weipa SA2's median income among taxpayers is $84,187, with an average of $90,018. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $92,530 (median) and $98,939 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Weipa, between the 96th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 39.3% of the community (1,691 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. Weipa demonstrates considerable affluence with 49.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 96th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Weipa displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Weipa, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.8% houses and 36.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Weipa was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 10.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.4%) or rented (64.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,063, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Weipa's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Weipa features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.3% of all households, comprising 42.1% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.7%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Weipa fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 52.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (43.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Weipa's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Weipa residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (2,836 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.4% and 4.5% of residents, respectively, while 83.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The area has 4.1% of residents aged 65 and over (174 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Weipa ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Weipa was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.4% of its population being citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 89.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Weipa is Christianity, which makes up 43.3% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Weipa are Australian, comprising 27.2% of the population, English, comprising 23.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Other, comprising 13.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 11.0% of Weipa (vs 3.9% regionally), Filipino at 1.5% (vs 0.9%) and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.8%).

Weipa hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 30 years, Weipa's median age is considerably lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Weipa has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (20.4%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (2.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.5% to 17.2% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 19.4% to 20.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 11.9% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 9.3% to 8.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Weipa. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 13%, adding 96 residents to reach 835. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.