Exmouth

Exmouth lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Exmouth is estimated at around 3,371, reflecting a 20.1% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,806 people. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,342 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 49 persons per square kilometer. Exmouth's growth exceeded the SA4 region (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, 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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas nationally, with Exmouth expected to increase by 632 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Exmouth among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Exmouth averaged approximately 41 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 209 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. Historically, about two people move to the area for each dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. Developers focus on premium market segments, with new dwellings valued at around $495,000 on average.

In FY-26, there have been approximately $25.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting active commercial development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Exmouth records 140% more building activity per person, offering buyers ample choice, although recent construction activity has eased slightly. This level is above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity comprises approximately 75% standalone homes and 25% attached dwellings, preserving Exmouth's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 93 people per approval, Exmouth reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating an increase of 478 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Exmouth has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Two major infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Sundrift Estate - Exmouth Marina Land Release, scheduled for completion in 2023; and Learmonth And Curtin RAAF Upgrades, expected to finish in late 2024. Additionally, Pilbara Energy Transmission and Storage Infrastructure is also underway, with no specified completion date provided.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Exmouth performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Exmouth has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of September 2025, 1,884 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation was 70.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, 7.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing sectors. Exmouth has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share twice the regional level.

Mining employs only 3.8% of local workers, lower than Rest of WA's 11.7%. In the past year, employment increased by 1.0%, labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment remained unchanged. This contrasts with Rest of WA, where employment grew by 1.4%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Exmouth's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Exmouth's median income among taxpayers is $55,257, with an average of $74,044. This is above the national average and compares to Rest of WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,573 (median) and $81,167 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Exmouth cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort spans 38.2% of locals (1,287 people) with incomes between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.1% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Exmouth is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Exmouth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Exmouth stood at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented ones at 43.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,090, above Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Exmouth was $340, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Exmouth's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,090 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $340 than the national figure of $375.

Exmouth features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.0% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 7.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of WA.

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

Educational qualifications in Exmouth trail regional benchmarks; 21.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (35.8%).

Educational participation is notably high; 26.7% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.0% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Exmouth is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Exmouth demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,907 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (6.1%) and mental health issues (5.7%). 78.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. There are 8.5% of residents aged 65 and over (286 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Exmouth ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Exmouth's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (79.7%), and speaking English only at home (92.7%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Exmouth, comprising 30.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Exmouth at 0.2%, compared to 0.0% across the Rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (29.6%), and Scottish (7.8%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.7% in Exmouth compared to 0.2% regionally, New Zealand at 1.0% versus 0.9%, and Polish at 0.9% compared to 0.5%.

Exmouth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Exmouth's median age is 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and below Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 22.7% of Exmouth's population compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 5.5%. This is higher than the national figure for the 25-34 age group, which stands at 14.4%. Between 2021 and now, Exmouth's median age has decreased by 2 years from 36 to 34, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 17.8% to 22.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 16.1% to 19.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 7.8% to 5.5% and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.7% to 9.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Exmouth's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 236 people, reaching a total of 1,002 from the current figure of 765. In contrast, both the 55-64 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.