Bulgarra

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

As of Nov 2025, Bulgarra's population is estimated at around 3,360, reflecting an increase of 370 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,990. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,344 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. The suburb's population equates to a density ratio of 724 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bulgarra's growth since the 2021 census at 12.4% exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% 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 areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Bulgarra is expected to expand by 270 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 7.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bulgarra recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Bulgarra has seen approximately 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 31 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 10.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $752,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $57,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting Bulgarra's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Bulgarra records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity comprises entirely detached dwellings, maintaining Bulgarra's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, 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 509 people, reflecting a quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections show Bulgarra adding 258 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Bulgarra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely influencing the region. Notable projects are Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Yuri Hydrogen Project, Karratha Hotel Development, and The Quarter Karratha. The following details projects 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 conditions in Bulgarra demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

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

As of June 2025, Bulgarra's unemployment rate was 2.0%, lower than the Rest of WA's 3.2%. There were 2,041 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.2% below the regional average. Workforce participation in Bulgarra was 71.3%, higher than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include mining, construction, and retail trade.

Mining employs 1.9 times more residents than the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% locally, compared to 9.3% regionally. Labour force levels decreased by 2.8% in Bulgarra over the year ending June 2025, with employment decreasing at the same rate, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.1%. 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 employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simple 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

Bulgarra had a median taxpayer income of $77,918 and an average income of $91,770 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was among the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. By September 2025, based on a 14.2% increase since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $88,982 (median) and $104,801 (average). Bulgarra's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly in the 2021 Census, between the 95th and 96th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spanned 35.3% of locals (1,186 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region at 31.1%. Economic strength was evident with 46.9% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting high consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retained 87.3% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. Bulgarra's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bulgarra, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 76.3% houses and 23.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bulgarra was higher than that of Non-Metro WA at 11.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (39.6%) or rented (49.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,810, below the Non-Metro WA average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $388, compared to Non-Metro WA's $220. Nationally, Bulgarra's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 43.6%. Educational participation is high, with 35.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 14.5% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Karratha Primary School and St Paul's Primary School serve a total of 630 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby.

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 providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 21 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system in Bulgarra is limited, with residents typically residing 625 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, buses depart every hour and fifteen minutes 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 across Bulgarra, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 64% of Bulgarra's total population of 2,137 people have private health cover, compared to 72.0% in the Rest of WA and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.4% and 6.2% of residents respectively.

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

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bulgarra was found to be 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. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bulgarra, making up 33.6% of the population. Notably, Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, comprising 2.3% of Bulgarra's population versus 1.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.8%), Australian (27.8%), and Other (7.3%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders made up 1.5% of Bulgarra's population compared to 1.3% regionally, Maori comprised 1.4% versus 2.0%, and Australian Aboriginals constituted 6.1% compared to 8.5%.

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

Bulgarra's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Rest of WA's 40 and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.8% of Bulgarra's population, higher than Rest of WA but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 2.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.6%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, Bulgarra's population is projected to see significant changes. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 177 people (25%), from 698 to 876. Conversely, the 75-84 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to decline in population.