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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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Derby (WA) has an estimated 4,650 residents, up from 3,222 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,428 people, or 44.3%. Growth has averaged 3.9% a year over five years, faster than 97% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 52.0% of that increase. Density is about 10 people per 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
Analysis of ABS demographic updates covering the broader region, combined with address details verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, indicates that the suburb of Derby (WA) has an estimated residency of approximately 4,650 individuals as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,428 people (44.3%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,222 people. The calculation is derived from the resident population of 4,650, which was computed by AreaSearch utilizing the June 2025 ERP data release from the ABS alongside 38 validated new addresses recorded since the Census.
This population level translates to a density of 10.0 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The 44.3% growth rate in the suburb of Derby (WA) since the 2021 census was higher than the national expansion rate (9.3%) and outpaced the Rest of WA, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion within the district was mostly propelled by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 52.0% of the total population rise during recent timeframes. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline are used by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For any SA2 locations missing from this dataset, and to project development in the years following 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) are applied. Evaluating the anticipated demographic transitions, population growth exceeding the median for non-metropolitan Australia is forecasted for the suburb of Derby (WA), with projections indicating a rise of 622 persons to 2041, representing a total expansion of 12.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
32 new dwellings have been approved in Derby (WA) over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That places the area in the 51st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 1 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building approval statistics distributed from regional data, the suburb of Derby (WA) has averaged roughly 6 dwelling approvals annually, summing to an estimated 32 homes during the previous 5 financial years. Throughout FY-26 so far, no approvals have been registered. With an average of 25.1 people per year relocating to the area for every home constructed over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping construction, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new residences carry an average building value of $770,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the luxury market with upscale builds.
Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $75,000 have been logged this financial year, pointing to a focus that is almost entirely residential. At the same time, recent residential construction consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the low density layout of the suburb of Derby (WA) and focusing on stand-alone properties that draw buyers looking for space. An estimated ratio of 451 people in the area for each approved dwelling underlines the quiet, low-scale nature of local property development. Demographic projections indicate the suburb of Derby (WA) will add 599 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, the supply of housing may fall behind population increases, which will likely heighten competition among buyers and support price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Derby (WA)
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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 10 current infrastructure and development projects inside Derby (WA), worth an estimated $4.48 billion. A further 68 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $21.7 billion. 23 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, communities, precincts & urban renewal and education & training. 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
Regional outcomes are heavily shaped by updates to local infrastructure, major construction works, and municipal planning. AreaSearch has tracked 10 projects poised to affect the suburb of Derby (WA). Principal developments include the Derby Fertilizer and Petrochemical Complex, the Derby Tidal Power Project, the Derby District High School Redevelopment, and the Fairbairn Street Upgrade, with details of the most significant initiatives outlined below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Derby Fertilizer and Petrochemical Complex
Proposed $4.1 billion large scale ammonia, methanol, urea and complex fertilizer facility near Derby, including an on-site power station. The project aims to convert gas from the Canning Basin into fertilizer and petrochemicals. Targeted production includes 3,500 tpd liquid ammonia, 5,000 tpd methanol, and 4,000 tpd urea.
Derby Tidal Power Project
A long-proposed 40MW tidal power station at Doctor's Creek designed to leverage the Kimberley region's 11m tides. The project uses a double-basin system to generate renewable energy for the West Kimberley. While it received EPA environmental approval in 2013 (Ministerial Statement 941), it remains in a stalemate due to a lack of federal funding and technical delays. As of 2026, Horizon Power is advancing an alternative 'Derby Future Energy System' focused on solar and battery storage, casting further doubt on the tidal project's viability.
Fairbairn Street Upgrade
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley upgrade to improve safety and access near Derby District High School, coordinated with Derby Bus Services. State Black Spot funding is supporting detailed design in 2025/26 with construction allocation in 2026/27. Works include sealing and widening, formal parking and bus bays, new pedestrian path, kerbing and lighting focused on school frontage and bus operations.
Design and Construct Modular Staff Accommodation, Derby
Procurement activity by WA Country Health Service to deliver modular staff housing in Derby, including design, documentation, fabrication and associated forward works (site preparation, earthworks, electrical and plumbing).
Derby East Construction Sands Project
Macro Metals Limited and WA Limestone completed the acquisition of the Derby East Construction Sands Project in July 2025. The project comprises granted exploration licences located about 24 km east of the Port of Derby, accessed via the Derby-Gibb River Road. The partners are progressing planning and market engagement for potential export of construction sand to Southeast Asia (including Singapore) subject to approvals.
Derby Light Industrial Estate
A planned light industrial estate by DevelopmentWA, strategically located off the Derby Highway to meet the growing demand for industrial land in the area.
Port of Derby Upgrade - Permanent Barge Landing
Construction of a new permanent barge landing ramp at the Port of Derby to replace the existing temporary facility. This project aims to enhance the town's ability to receive domestic freight by sea and improve the region's supply chain resilience.
Derby Early Learning and Family Centre
A $6.1 million project to establish a new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby. The project aims to improve the development, health, and learning outcomes of young children in the community.
1,557 residents of Derby (WA) are employed, from a labour force of 1,970. Unemployment sits at 21.0%, with participation at 52.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% 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 3,720, about 80% 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
The suburb of Derby (WA) possesses a skilled labor pool with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 21.0%, and an annual employment expansion estimated at 5.8% based on regional data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,557, while the unemployment rate sat 17.5% higher than the 3.5% recorded in Regional WA, indicating potential for labor market improvement, and workforce participation remains low at 52.3% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA. Census responses indicate that a minor 5.0% of local workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.
Workforce placement is heavily weighted toward health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The suburb of Derby (WA) exhibits a high concentration in health care & social assistance, with staffing levels reaching 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for only 1.8% of the local workforce, which is below the 11.7% seen across Regional WA. Comparison of the Census working population against resident counts indicates that local employment opportunities are relatively constrained. Analysis conducted by AreaSearch, drawing on SALM and ABS data aggregated from larger statistical regions, indicates that over the 12 months to March 2026 employment rose by 5.8% and the labour force grew by 5.5%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia’s national employment forecasts published in May-25 provide additional context regarding potential future demand in Derby. These projections, which span five and ten-year horizons, have been aligned with Derby’s local employment composition to estimate sectoral growth trajectories. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion varies considerably across industry sectors. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Derby’s employment structure, local employment is expected to rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Derby (WA) is $1,713 a week (about $89,000 a year), with median personal income at $855 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $96,602 a year against an average of $113,009. 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
The suburb of Derby (WA) shows a median taxpayer income of $96,602 and an average of $113,009 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $107,161 (median) and $125,361 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Derby cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally.
Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.7% of the community (1,799 individuals), mirroring the region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Derby (WA) had 827 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 0% apartments. 16% are owned with a mortgage, 66% rented and 18% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $180 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,638 a month. Rent absorbs 10.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Derby (WA) consisted of 87.3% detached houses and 12.7% other housing styles such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to Regional WA where detached houses made up 88.5% and alternative structures comprised 11.6%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Derby (WA) stood at 17.7%, trailing Regional WA, with the rest of the housing stock occupied by residents with a mortgage (15.9%) or renting (66.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Regional WA average at $1,638, while the median weekly rent was $180, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265.
Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Derby (WA) are notably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Derby (WA) counted 827 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,194 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 80% of areas nationally, against 25% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise the majority of households at 63.1%, consisting of couples with children at 22.1%, couples without children at 25.3%, and single parent families at 13.1%. The remaining 36.9% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 34.5% and group living situations representing 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is identical to the Regional WA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.9% of adults in Derby (WA) hold a university qualification, including 13.8% with a bachelor degree and 3.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 77% of areas nationally. A further 30.4% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 728 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 835 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
The suburb of Derby (WA) exhibits lower rates of higher education, with university graduation levels at 19.9% compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap presents an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational education is prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificate courses at 30.4%. Enrolment rates are elevated, with 43.9% of residents currently participating in academic programs.
This comprises 21.0% in primary schooling, 10.3% in secondary programs, and 3.3% undertaking higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Derby (WA) means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
74.3% of residents in Derby (WA) report no long-term health condition. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 71.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 9.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate notable medical challenges in the suburb of Derby (WA) based on mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, with standard ailments observed across both older and younger age groups, while private health coverage is unusually high, encompassing approximately 72% of the population (3,344 people). This contrasts with 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis represent the most frequent diagnoses in the suburb of Derby (WA), affecting 6.5% and 5.9% of the population respectively, though 74.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA.
Better than average health profiles are observed in the demographic under 65 years of age. Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.0% of the population (558 people), which is lower than the Regional WA level of 19.2%. Senior residents exhibit particularly positive health metrics, with national standings surpassing those of the overall population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Derby (WA) is largely Australian-born, at 87.1% of residents, with 14.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (36.0%) and Australian (19.7%). 36.0% 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 metrics in the suburb of Derby (WA) are below average, with citizens making up 64.1% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 87.1%, and 85.2% of residents speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 51.1% of the community. The most distinct variance is found in the Other religious category, which accounts for 1.3% of residents compared to 0.7% across Regional WA. Parental heritage records show the primary ancestral backgrounds in the suburb of Derby (WA) are Australian Aboriginal at 36.0% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 6.1%, Australian at 19.7%, which is lower than the regional average of 28.4%, and English at 17.7%, which is lower than the regional average of 31.3%.
Other groups present include Maori at 1.0% (matching the regional 1.0%), New Zealand ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 0.9% regionally), and Filipino ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 1.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Derby (WA) is 34, younger than 76% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 30.7% 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
Having a median age of 34, the suburb of Derby (WA) is younger than Regional WA where the median is 40, and sits below the Australian median of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age segment represents 19.4% of the population, showing strong representation compared to Regional WA, while the 75 - 84 age segment is smaller at 2.9%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age segment has expanded from 17.2% to 19.4% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 13.0% to 14.1%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 demographic shrank from 13.3% to 12.2%.
Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections point to shifts in the age structure of the suburb of Derby (WA), led by a 32% growth in the 25 to 34 cohort (adding 287 people) to reach 1,190 from 902, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts will see their numbers decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Derby (WA)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 months ago 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 10 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 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) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month 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 — 38 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,222 at the 2021 Census → 4,650 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 May 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 (SAL50405). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.