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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Bulgarra has an estimated 3,444 residents, up from 2,990 at the 2021 Census — a change of 454 people, or 15.2%. Growth has averaged 2.2% a year over five years, faster than 84% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 64.0% of that increase. That puts 742 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the resident population in the suburb of Bulgarra is estimated at roughly 3,444, following AreaSearch analysis combining regional ABS population releases with 7 validated new addresses identified since the Census. This total marks an expansion of 454 people (15.2%) compared to the 2,990 people counted in the 2021 Census, building on the ABS June 2025 ERP assessment of 3,419 residents. The suburb of Bulgarra currently registers a density of 742 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with broader benchmarks tracked by AreaSearch. Outperforming both the Rest of WA and the wider national average of 9.5%, the suburb of Bulgarra experienced a 15.2% population gain since the 2021 census, establishing itself as a standout regional growth center.
Natural demographic increases served as the main engine of expansion, generating approximately 64.0% of the overall population rise over recent periods. Population forecasts for the suburb of Bulgarra draw upon ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 figures published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented after 2032 and across any unrepresented SA2 zones by cohort growth parameters from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (issued in 2023 from 2022 benchmarks). Demographic projections anticipate expansion tracking slightly under the median for Australian non-metropolitan territories, with aggregated SA2 estimates projecting an addition of 252 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 6.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
23 new dwellings have been approved in Bulgarra over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That places the area in the 72nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 1 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 40, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building activity in Bulgarra has averaged approximately 4 new homes authorized per year, delivering an estimated 23 homes across the past 5 financial years according to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building approval records. In FY-25 to date, 40 approvals have already been registered. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 7.2 people arrived annually for every new home constructed across the past 5 financial years, showing local demand substantially ahead of new building supply and applying upwards pricing pressure. New dwellings reflect expected construction costs averaging $583,000, underscoring developer activity centered on high-end residential stock.
Non-residential building is minimal, with $57,000 in commercial approvals lodged this financial year. Per capita residential construction in Bulgarra runs at about 62% of the level recorded across Rest of WA, placing it in the 74th percentile of areas evaluated across the country despite a recent acceleration in building output. This below-average national volume reflects a mature urban footprint alongside potential planning constraints. Medium-density housing is gaining prominence, with recent building approvals split between 56.0% standalone houses and 44.0% townhouses or apartments. This shifting delivery of diverse housing options represents a clear departure from the established neighborhood structure of 76.0% houses, catering to changing affordability needs and constrained land availability while registering approximately 149 people per dwelling approval. Looking forward, urban growth projections from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate indicate Bulgarra will add 227 residents through to 2041. Although local construction activity continues at a reasonable pace relative to future population gains, prospective property buyers may encounter tightening competition.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Bulgarra
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 63 current infrastructure and development projects close to Bulgarra, worth an estimated $15.7 billion. 23 are already under construction and 25 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major public works, commercial developments, and planning schemes play a vital role in shaping community growth. AreaSearch has identified 5 key regional projects expected to influence the area, including the Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Yuri Hydrogen Project, Karratha Hotel Development, and The Quarter Karratha.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Quarter Karratha
Mixed-use civic, retail and commercial precinct anchored by The Quarter HQ office/retail building, a city square and 46 service worker apartments, delivered as part of the Karratha city centre revitalisation.
Madigan at Baynton West
Madigan at Baynton West is a major residential development in Karratha designed to provide affordable living and essential worker housing. The estate is a key component of the Karratha Urea Project's workforce strategy, with developer Perdaman constructing 133 homes to accommodate its permanent operational staff. As of early 2026, over 30 homes have been delivered with another 30 under active construction. The project features climate-responsive design, a 1.38-hectare landscaped public open space, and proximity to Baynton West Primary School.Future stages include plans for approximately 250 additional lots, a childcare center, and a new primary school to support long-term regional growth.
Gap Ridge Homemaker Centre
Karratha's first dedicated homemaker centre, featuring a 7,600 square meter Bunnings Warehouse and nine large format retail tenancies. As the only Bunnings in the Pilbara region, it services local demand for DIY, hardware, furniture, electrical appliances, and white goods. The project is located adjacent to residential developments and the Gap Ridge Industrial Estate, with the retail trade market in the area expected to reach 249 million AUD by 2026. Construction officially commenced on April 1, 2026.
Western Edge
A 160-hectare master-planned community in South Hedland designed to transform underutilized land into a residential hub for over 3,000 residents. The project received a major 75.2 million AUD funding boost in the 2026-27 WA State Budget to deliver the first 121 lots across Stages 1 and 2. It includes enabling infrastructure for water, power, and telecommunications, as well as public open space. The full project has the potential for up to 1,000 lots, including social housing.
South Hedland Town Centre Revitalisation
Comprehensive revitalisation of South Hedland's Town Centre featuring a new main street, vibrant Town Square, public open spaces, road realignment, landscape treatments, underground services, and medium-to-high density mixed-use development opportunities. The project transforms the town centre into a modern hub designed for people, business, and investment. Premium development lots are now available for sale with infrastructure already in place.
South Hedland Residential Land Development
Residential land subdivision in South Hedland with fully serviced single residential lots (power, water, NBN ready) available for purchase. Lots are in established streets including Buzzard Street and Gannet Street, supporting affordable home building in the Pilbara region.
South Hedland Town Square
Public open space adjacent to South Hedland Shopping Centre featuring grassed outdoor amphitheatre, children's playground, public amenities, and landscaped areas. Serves as a community gathering place and event venue for local celebrations and activities.
Hedland Health Campus
A modern 12,000sqm single-level health facility serving as the regional healthcare hub for the Pilbara. The campus features four main pavilions housing a 24-hour emergency department, ambulatory care, renal dialysis, medical imaging, and mental health services. Designed with a unique heat-buffer roof system and cyclone-rated materials to withstand extreme regional climates.
2,153 residents of Bulgarra are employed, from a labour force of 2,196. Unemployment sits at 2.0%, with participation at 79.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 2,414, about 70% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Bulgarra maintains an active and balanced labor market across white and blue-collar occupations, led by prominent representation in the construction sector, an unemployment rate of only 2.0%, and annual employment growth estimated at 3.1% according to AreaSearch regional aggregations. As of March 2026, 2,153 residents are employed, the local unemployment rate sits 1.5% below the Regional WA level of 3.5%, and labor force participation reaches 79.5% compared to 65.4% across Regional WA. Only 2.1% of workers reported working from home in Census figures, though this was captured during Covid-19 restrictions.
Local workforce participation is heavily concentrated within mining, construction, and retail trade, with resident employment in mining tracking at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.3% of the resident workforce, well beneath the 9.3% benchmark across Regional WA. Comparisons between the resident workforce and the count of Census workers in the area indicate constrained local job availability. According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM statistical series, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 3.1% and the labour force grow by 3.2%, producing a 0.1 percentage point uptick in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Regional WA recorded an employment contraction of 0.1%, a labour force increase of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Looking at medium to long-term prospects, Jobs and Skills Australia national employment projections from Mar-26 model broader workforce growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Weighting these sectoral projections against Bulgarra's workforce composition suggests local job expansion of 5.2% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, noting this represents an illustrative weighting rather than a local population forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Bulgarra is $2,812 a week (about $146,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,409 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $77,918 a year against an average of $91,770. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO records at postcode level for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in the suburb of Bulgarra rank at the upper tier nationwide, with a median of $77,918 and an average of $91,770, outpacing Regional WA benchmarks of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, March 2026 income levels are estimated at approximately $86,434 (median) and $101,800 (average). Census personal, family, and household earnings all sit within the 95th to 96th percentiles across Australia. A total of 1,215 individuals, or 35.3% of earners, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, comparable to 31.1% regionally.
High earners making over $3,000 per week represent 46.9% of the local population. Residents retain 87.3% of earnings after meeting housing costs, and the area occupies the 5th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Bulgarra had 929 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 6% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 49% rented and 11% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $388 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,810 a month, a total housing cost higher than 84% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 13.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 14.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records show Bulgarra's residential profile consists of 76.3% separate houses and 23.6% other dwellings such as apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings throughout Regional WA. Fully owned homes represent 11.1% of local tenures, lagging the broader region, while mortgaged properties account for 39.6% and rental housing comprises 49.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment stands at $1,810, exceeding the Regional WA figure of $1,560 but sitting below the national benchmark of $1,863. Median weekly rent is $388, which is higher than both the Regional WA median of $265 and the Australian average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Bulgarra counted 929 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,070 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 36% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up 69.3% of dwellings in the area, comprising couples with children at 35.7%, couples without children at 25.3%, and single parent families at 7.9%. The remaining 30.7% consists of non-family living arrangements, with lone person households representing 24.1% and group households making up 6.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, slightly higher than the Regional WA figure of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.8% of adults in Bulgarra hold a university qualification, including 9.9% with a bachelor degree and 1.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 43.6% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 630 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 965 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area shows 13.8% of residents holding university qualifications, below the Australian level of 30.4%. Within tertiary credentials, bachelor degrees represent 9.9%, graduate diplomas comprise 2.1%, and postgraduate qualifications account for 1.8%. Vocational education is strongly represented, with 53.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade or technical qualifications, split between certificates (43.6%) and advanced diplomas (9.6%). Formal study participation is strong, with 35.7% of the community actively undertaking education. This cohort includes 14.5% enrolled in primary education, 10.1% attending secondary education, and 2.1% engaged in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Bulgarra means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Bulgarra contains 1 operational public transport stop served by bus networks across 2 separate routes, providing a combined 21 weekly passenger trips. Public transit access remains modest, with local dwellings situated an average of 625 meters from a transit stop. Commuting is heavily outbound and vehicle-dependent, with private cars accounting for 89% of trips, walking comprising 4%, and household vehicle ownership averaging 1.8 per dwelling. A low 2.1% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, subject to COVID-19 conditions. Bus services run at an average frequency of 3 trips per day across the network, generating approximately 21 weekly trips at each local stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
81.2% of residents in Bulgarra report no long-term health condition. 1.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes in Bulgarra remain positive across both older and younger demographics, characterized by lower incidences of chronic conditions and mortality rates. Private health insurance coverage is notably widespread, reaching approximately 64% of the population (2,191 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and 55.7% nationally. Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary reported health conditions locally, affecting 6.2% and 6.4 of residents respectively, while 81.2% reported being free from chronic medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age cohorts maintain low chronic disease rates. Residents aged 65 and over make up 3.3% of the population (113 people), well below the 19.1% share in Regional WA, with senior health indicators outperforming national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Bulgarra is largely Australian-born, at 76.8% of residents, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.8%) and Australian (27.8%). 6.1% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Bulgarra sits above typical regional benchmarks, with overseas-born individuals making up 23.2% of the community and 14.9% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 33.6% of residents. Buddhism shows notable local representation at 2.3% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA. Parental ancestry records show the largest backgrounds in Bulgarra to be English at 28.8%, Australian at 27.8%, and Other at 7.3%. Distinct demographic representation also appears among other backgrounds, with New Zealand ancestry accounting for 1.5% (versus 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.4% (versus 1.0%), and Australian Aboriginal at 6.1% (matching 6.1% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Bulgarra is 33, younger than 86% of areas nationally. 34.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Bulgarra maintains a youthful demographic profile, with August 2026 AreaSearch figures showing 40.1% of residents in the 25 - 44 age bracket compared to 26.6% in Regional WA, while seniors aged 65+ comprise 3.3% against 19.1% regionally. The estimated median age sits at 33 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census figure, 7 years younger than the Regional WA Census median of 40, and lower than the national Census figure of 38. The 45 - 64 age cohort shifted from 23.6% at the Census to an estimated 22.6%.
Looking toward 2041, the 25 - 44 cohort is projected to expand by 225 residents (16%) to 1,606, whereas child, young adult, and senior cohorts are anticipated to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Bulgarra
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 7 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,990 at the 2021 Census → 3,444 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL50200). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.