Weipa

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

Weipa's population was 4,304 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 207 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,097. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,281 in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 272 persons per square kilometer. Weipa's growth rate of 5.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.3%, making it a growth leader in the area. Natural growth contributed approximately 77.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts and latest annual ERP population numbers, Weipa's population is expected to increase by 157 persons to reach 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 3.1% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately seven dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 37 homes were approved, with an additional six approved so far in FY26. On average, around four and a half new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This indicates significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $623,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, commercial development approvals have reached $9.8 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity in Weipa. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Weipa has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally for development activity.

However, recent periods show increasing development activity, suggesting potential planning constraints in the area. New development in Weipa consists of 86% standalone homes and 14% medium to high-density housing, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This is higher than current patterns (64% detached housing at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The area has approximately 325 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Weipa is expected to grow by 134 residents through to 2041. 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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, Queensland Energy Roadmap, and Queensland Energy Roadmap, with the following list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 0.9%. Of its 2,799 residents in work, the unemployment rate is 3.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation stands at 86.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

According to Census responses, only 3.3% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Mining demonstrates notable concentration with employment levels at 11.3 times the regional average. Construction has limited presence at 3.6% compared to region's 10.1%.

Local employment opportunities exist, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population count. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 0.7% alongside a 0.6% employment decline, keeping unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment growth of 1.7%, labour force expansion of 2.1%, and unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Weipa. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Weipa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Weipa SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $84,187 and an average of $90,018. These figures are among the highest in Australia. The Rest of Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Weipa would be approximately $92,530 (median) and $98,939 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data ranks Weipa's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 96th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 39.3% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,691 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. Weipa demonstrates 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. 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

The dwelling structure in Weipa, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.8% houses and 36.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weipa was at 10.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.4% and rented ones at 64.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Weipa was $2,063, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Weipa was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Weipa's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,063 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 52.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (43.3%). Educational participation is high at 37.4%, including 14.7% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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 for Weipa shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 66%, compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are asthma (5.4%) and mental health issues (4.5%), with 83.5% reporting no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Weipa has 4.1% residents aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%, but ranks lower nationally compared to 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 had cultural diversity levels below the average, with 84.4% of its population being citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 89.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.3% of Weipa's population. Hinduism, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.8% of Weipa's population identifying as Hindu.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 27.2%, English 23.1% (lower than the regional average), and Other 13.7% (higher than the regional average). Notable divergences included Australian Aboriginal at 11.0% (compared to 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

Weipa's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Weipa has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.4%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.9%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.5% to 17.2%, 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 age group 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.