Kununurra

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

As of Nov 2025, Kununurra's population is estimated at around 6,173, reflecting an increase of 679 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,494. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation based on ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Kununurra's 12.4% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeds both national (8.9%) and non-metro averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth post-2032.

By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 671 persons, reflecting an increase of 9.9% over the 17 years.

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

Kununurra has averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 67 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.1 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $416,000.

This financial year has seen $16.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Kununurra records 19.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 40th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. New construction has been exclusively detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (66.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

The estimated count of 419 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Kununurra is expected to grow by 612 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kununurra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Coolibah Estate, Kununurra Town Centre Revitalisation, Aboriginal Employee Housing Kununurra, and Kununurra Primary Health Centre. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Kununurra are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kununurra has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 7.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3,067 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% above the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation stands at 63.3%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining employs only 1.5% of local workers, lower than the Rest of WA's 11.7%. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.3%, while employment declined by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with the Rest of WA, where employment grew by 1.1% and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Kununurra. These projections indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kununurra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released its latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Kununurra's median income among taxpayers was $65,304 and the average was $77,121. This is amongst the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of WA's median of $57,304 and average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $74,577 (median) and $88,072 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, individual earnings in Kununurra stand out at the 88th percentile nationally ($1,153 weekly). The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 39.5% of residents (2,438 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Kununurra displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kununurra's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.5% houses and 33.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kununurra was at 15.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.6% and rented ones at 64.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,019, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Kununurra was $266, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Kununurra's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,019, while rents were lower at $266.

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

Family households constitute 71.5% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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

In Kununurra, educational attainment is notably high. Among residents aged 15 and above, 28.0% possess university qualifications, exceeding the broader benchmarks of 17.6% in the rest of Western Australia and 20.5% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.3% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education. Kununurra's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,120 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 778. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kununurra shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 58% of the total population of 3,569 people, compared to 53.4% in the rest of WA.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.9% and 4.8% of residents respectively. A majority, 79.5%, report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to the 79.9% figure for the rest of WA. As of 2021, 7.4% of Kununurra's population is aged 65 and over (456 people). Health outcomes among seniors align with those of the general population.

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

Kununurra has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 18.0% of its population born overseas and 14.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kununurra, making up 40.6% of people there. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Kununurra compared to the rest of WA, comprising 0.1% of its population versus 0.0%.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are Australian (24.4%), English (23.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (19.9%), which is lower than the regional average of 33.7%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: French is overrepresented at 0.5% compared to the regional figure of 0.5%, New Zealanders are at 0.7% versus a regional average of 0.6%, and Dutch residents comprise 1.3% compared to 1.0% regionally.

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

Kununurra's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Rest of WA's 40 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.7% of Kununurra's population, compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 5.6%. This is higher than the national average of 14.5% for the 25-34 age group. Between 2021 and now, Kununurra has become younger, with its median age dropping from 33 to 32 years. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 18.4% to 20.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.2% to 12.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Kununurra in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 351 residents to reach a total of 1,629. In contrast, both the 75-84 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.