Broome

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Broome, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch as of Feb 2026, the suburb's estimated population is around 4,791. This reflects an increase of 994 people (26.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,797 people in Broome. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,325 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 150 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 823 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Broome's 26.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), as well as the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for Broome, with an expected increase of 508 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 1.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Broome had approximately 16 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 80 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 3.8 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers are targeting the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $501,000. There have been $23.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, showing steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of WA, Broome records elevated construction levels, balancing buyer choice and supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 95% detached houses and 5% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest, indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location has approximately 240 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Broome may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Broome has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Broome Boating Facility, Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, Town Beach Cafe Redevelopment, and Port of Broome Wharf Extension Works. The following list provides details on those considered most relevant.

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 being well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of September 2025. This is 3.6 percentage points higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation in Broome is similar to the Rest of WA, at 67.2%. According to Census responses, a low 5.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training sectors. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share that is 1.7 times the regional level.

Mining has limited presence in Broome, with only 2.4% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Broome's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 had a median taxpayer income of $51,425 and an average of $60,437. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of WA had a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $56,372 (median) and $66,251 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 data indicates personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($967 weekly), with household income at the 53rd percentile. Income brackets show 34.5% of Broome residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,652 individuals). This is similar to the regional pattern where 31.1% fall into this bracket. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Broome, as per the latest Census assessment, 67.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 32.7% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broome stood at 15.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.4% and rented ones at 60.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure in Broome was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Broome's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Broome features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

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

Broome's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 28.7%, compared to the Rest of WA at 17.6% and SA4 region at 20.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.5% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 25.7%. Educational participation is high, with 38.1% currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (13.8%), secondary (12.5%) and tertiary (3.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 67 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average located 427 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport is car, used by 77% of residents, while 12% walk and 6% cycle. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 9 trips per day, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Broome is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Broome faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high for common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,452 people), compared to 56.4% across the 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 69.3% across the rest of WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 8.8% of residents aged 65 and over (421 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 is above average, with 19.3% of its population born overseas and 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Broome, comprising 43.0% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, with 0.1% of Broome's population identifying as such.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is most represented at 24.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%. English ancestry comprises 20.7%, notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%. Australian ancestry also has a notable difference, comprising 19.9% compared to the regional average of 28.4%. Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.6% in Broome versus 0.2% regionally, Filipino at 2.0% versus 1.2%, and French at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Broome's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Broome is 35 years, which is lower than the average for the rest of Western Australia at 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 (19.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Broome's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 16.8% to 19.8%, while the 35 to 44 age group has risen from 14.6% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.1% to 11.4%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.6% to 13.3%. By 2041, Broome's population is projected to experience significant changes in its age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 16%, reaching a total of 1,102 people from the current 948. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are anticipated to decrease in number.