Broome

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area surrounding Broome, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the 2021 Census, the estimated population of the suburb of Broome is around 4,445 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 648 people (17.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,797 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,327, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 763 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Broome's 17.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the non-metro area, 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, as 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, with the suburb of Broome expected to increase by 486 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.9% 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 around 16 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 82 homes were approved, with another 7 approved in FY-26.

This results in about 3.7 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years. Supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $501,000.

Compared to the rest of WA, Broome has slightly more development, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. Ninety-five percent of new developments are standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. However, this is higher than the current pattern (67% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 200 people per dwelling approval, Broome shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Broome will gain 263 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Broome has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, Broome Boome Boating Facility, Town Beach Cafe Redevelopment, and Port of Broome Wharf Extension Works. The following list details those 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.

The labour market performance in Broome lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Broome has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 6.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

This rate is 3.6% higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Broome is broadly similar to the Rest of WA's figure of 59.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Mining has limited presence in Broome, with only 2.4% employment compared to the regional figure 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 June 2025, labour force levels in Broome decreased by 2.4% while employment declined by 2.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Broome. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Broome's median income among taxpayers is $51,425, with an average of $60,437. This is below the national average. The Rest of WA has a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Broome would be approximately $58,727 (median) and $69,019 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($967 weekly), while household income sits at the 53rd percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.5% of Broome's community (1,533 individuals). This pattern is similar to the region where 31.1% occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, though 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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Broome as 67.2% houses and 32.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broome was 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, below Non-Metro WA's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Broome was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Broome's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 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 educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 28.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of WA and 20.5% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are 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 aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 25.7%.

Educational participation is 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. Broome's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,908 students as of the latest data. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 871. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and two secondary institutions. As an education hub, Broome offers 42.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Broome shows strong performance across various health metrics. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of Broome's total population (~2,275 people), slightly lower than Rest of WA's average of 53.4%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.0%) and mental health issues (6.0%). A higher proportion of residents (75.1%) report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to the rest of WA (79.9%). Broome has a larger senior population, with 9.4% aged 65 and over (417 people), compared to Rest of WA's 7.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Broome are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Broome was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Broome has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 19.3% of its population born overseas and 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Broome is Christianity, accounting for 43.0% of the population. Notably, Judaism is present at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian Aboriginal (24.2%), English (20.7%), and Australian (19.9%). The representation of certain ethnic groups differs significantly: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.6% in Broome compared to 0.3% regionally, Filipino at 2.0% versus 1.1%, and French at 0.6% against 0.5%.

Broome's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Broome is 35 years, which is notably lower than the average for the rest of Western Australia at 40 years, and modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the rest of WA, Broome has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (19.2%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.9%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the age group 25 to 34 grew from 16.8% to 19.2%, while the age group 35 to 44 increased from 14.6% to 15.9%. Conversely, the age group 5 to 14 declined from 14.1% to 11.8%, and the age group 45 to 54 dropped from 14.6% to 13.5%. By 2041, Broome is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 29%, reaching 1,101 people from 853. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.