Broome

Broome has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Broome's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at approximately 4,516 people. This figure reflects an increase of 719 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,797 people in the Broome statistical area (Lv2). AreaSearch's analysis, based on the latest ERP data from the ABS released in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, estimated the resident population at around 4,325. This results in a density ratio of approximately 775 persons per square kilometer for Broome (SA2). The growth rate of 18.9% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the national average of 9.7% and the non-metro area's growth, positioning Broome as a notable growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). According to these projections, the Broome statistical area is expected to increase by approximately 489 persons to reach a total population of around 5,005 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 4.3% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Broome when compared nationally

Broome has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 80 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 3.8 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over this period.

The supply of new dwellings is substantially lagging behind demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties, as evidenced by the average value of new dwellings being $501,000. There have been $23.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When compared to the rest of WA, Broome records somewhat elevated construction levels, measuring 39.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. New development consists of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% 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 (67.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location has approximately 240 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections show Broome adding 195 residents by 2041, according to 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.

Broome has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance through changes in local infrastructure. Key projects include the Broome Boating Facility, Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, Town Beach Cafe Redevelopment, and Port of Broome Wharf Extension Works.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment drivers in Broome are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Broome has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of September 2025.

Employment stability in the area has been relatively consistent over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,173 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.7% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Broome is broadly similar to Rest of WA's figure of 59.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training sectors.

The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Mining, however, has limited presence in Broome with only 2.4% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. The predominantly residential nature of the area suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Broome increased by 0.3% while labour force grew by 0.6%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Broome. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Broome's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Broome's median income among taxpayers is $51,425. The average income in the suburb is $60,437. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA has a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Broome's median income would be approximately $56,372 by September 2025, with the average expected to reach around $66,251 during the same period. Census 2021 income data indicates personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($967 weekly), while household income sits at the 53rd percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 34.5% of Broome's community (1,558 individuals). This is similar to patterns seen in the region where 31.1% occupy this earnings range. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile.

Broome displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Broome, according to the latest Census evaluation, 67.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro WA's figures of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broome stood at 15.4%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 24.4% and rented dwellings accounting for 60.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Broome was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $200. Nationally, Broome's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Broome features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.1% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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

Broome's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications (28.7%) compared to the Rest of WA (17.6%) and the SA4 region (20.5%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.5% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 10.8% while certificates make up 25.7%. Educational participation is notably high in Broome, with 38.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.8% in primary education, 12.5% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Broome has 15 active public transport stops operating currently. These are served by buses only, with a total of 67 weekly passenger trips provided across all routes. There is one individual route in operation.

The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents typically located 427 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 9 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Broome's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Broome. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,312 people), compared to 54.2% across Rest of WA. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.0 and 6.0% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.9% across Rest of WA. Broome has 9.4% of residents aged 65 and over (424 people), which is higher than the 7.4% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Broome records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Broome's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 19.3% of its population born overseas and 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Broome, comprising 43.0% of people. Notably, Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of Broome's population, is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA where it comprises 0.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is the top group at 24.2%, lower than the regional average of 33.7%. English and Australian follow with 20.7% and 19.9% respectively. Spanish (0.6% vs 0.3%), Filipino (2.0% vs 1.1%) and French (0.6% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented in Broome compared to regional averages.

Broome's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Broome is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA's average of 40 years and also slightly below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA, Broome has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.2%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group of 25 to 34 years has increased from 16.8% to 19.2%, while the 35 to 44 age group has risen from 14.6% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.1% to 11.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has fallen from 14.6% to 13.5%. By 2041, Broome's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,101 people from 867. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.