Bulgarra

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bulgarra reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Bulgarra's population is estimated at around 3,334 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 344 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,990 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,321, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 718 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bulgarra's 11.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), 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 64.0% 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the Bulgarra statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 270 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bulgarra according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bulgarra has seen approximately five new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 29 homes. As of FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, 11.2 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which may put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $752,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, $57,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Bulgarra records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 16th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Bulgarra's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (76.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 945 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections show Bulgarra adding 284 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction maintains a reasonable pace with projected growth, but buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Bulgarra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Five projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the region. Notable initiatives are Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Yuri Hydrogen Project, Karratha Hotel Development, and The Quarter Karratha. Details of most relevant projects follow.

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

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Employment performance in Bulgarra ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Bulgarra has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent.

Its unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%. As of September 2025, 2,122 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2%, and a workforce participation rate of 71.3%, higher than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include mining, construction, and retail trade. Mining employs 1.9 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is low at 0.3% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 0.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points in Bulgarra. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bulgarra's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Bulgarra has a median taxpayer income of $77,918 and an average income of $91,770 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $85,414 (median) and $100,598 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank highly in Bulgarra, between the 95th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 35.3% of locals (1,176 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 46.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bulgarra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Bulgarra, as per the latest Census, 76.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 23.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bulgarra stood at 11.1%, with mortgaged properties at 39.6% and rented ones at 49.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,810, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bulgarra was $388, higher than Non-Metro WA's $220. Nationally, Bulgarra's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Bulgarra features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 69.3% of all households, including 35.7% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 53.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (43.6%). Educational participation is high at 35.7%, comprising primary education (14.5%), secondary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (2.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bulgarra has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This stop serves a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes in total providing 21 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of this transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 625 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bulgarra's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Bulgarra, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 64% of Bulgarra's total population of 2,121 has private health cover, compared to 73.3% in the Rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.4% and 6.2% of residents respectively.

81.2% of Bulgarra's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 81.3% in the Rest of WA. Bulgarra has 90 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 2.7% of its population. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Bulgarra had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 23.2% of its population born overseas and 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Bulgarra was Christianity, accounting for 33.6% of the population. However, Buddhism stood out as overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, comprising 2.3% versus 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.8%), Australian (27.8%), and Other (7.3%). Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.5%, Maori 1.4%, and Australian Aboriginals 6.1% of Bulgarra's population, differing from regional percentages of 1.3%, 2.0%, and 8.5% respectively.

Bulgarra's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Bulgarra's median age is 33 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA, Bulgarra has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.9%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.6% of Bulgarra's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 19.8% to 20.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.8% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Bulgarra's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 26%, adding 179 residents and reaching a total of 876. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.