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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kununurra is around 6,245. This figure represents a 13.7% increase from the 2021 Census population of 5,494 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024, stands at 6,165, with an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density of approximately 2.9 persons per square kilometer. Kununurra's growth rate exceeds the national average (9.9%) and that of the Rest of WA, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Natural growth accounted for about 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs 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, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 679 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 8.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kununurra shows an average of around 13 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 69 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 5.9 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. The average construction value of new properties is $416,000, targeting the premium market segment.

In this financial year, $16.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of WA, Kununurra has 17.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 40th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new constructions in Kununurra have been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 419 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Kununurra will gain 542 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Kununurra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Coolibah Estate, Kununurra Town Centre Revitalisation, Aboriginal Employee Housing Kunanurra, and Kunanurra Primary Health Centre. The following list details those 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.

The labour market performance in Kununurra lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Kununurra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.8%, showing relative employment stability over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. Compared to Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%, Kununurra's unemployment rate is 4.5% higher, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Kununurra is fairly standard at 70.7%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, a low 4.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average, while mining is under-represented with only 1.5% of Kununurra's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.7% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points in Kununurra. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Kununurra. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 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 and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Kununurra is $65,304 and average income is $77,121. This compares to Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Kununurra is approximately $71,586 and average income is $84,540. According to Census 2021 data, individual earnings in Kununurra are at the 88th percentile nationally, with weekly earnings of $1,153. Income analysis reveals that 39.5% of residents (2,466 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.1%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Kununurra displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kununurra, as per the latest Census, 66.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 33.5% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kununurra stood at 15.7%, with mortgaged properties at 19.6% and rented dwellings at 64.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,019, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Weekly rent in Kununurra was recorded at $266, similar to Non-Metro WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Kununurra's median mortgage repayment exceeds the Australian average of $1,863, while its weekly rent is lower than the national figure of $375.

Kununurra features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-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 account for the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Kununurra shows significant superiority over broader benchmarks. Specifically, 28.0% of residents aged 15 years and above possess university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of Western Australia and 20.5% in the SA4 region. This notable educational advantage places the area favourably for opportunities requiring knowledge-based skills. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%).

Trade and technical skills are prominently featured, with 39.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is notably 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Kununurra's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Kununurra's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts in Kununurra. Private health cover is very high in the area, with approximately 58% of the total population (~3,610 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.9% and 4.8% of residents respectively. 79.5% of Kununurra's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in the Rest of WA. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.1% of residents aged 65 and over (443 people), lower than the 19.2% in the Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kununurra records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kununurra's cultural diversity is above average, 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, comprising 40.6% of people. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Kununurra compared to the rest of WA, with 0.1% versus 0.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (24.4%), English (23.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (19.9%). While English ancestry is lower than the regional average of 31.3%, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%. French, New Zealand, and Dutch ethnic groups are notably divergent in representation compared to regional averages: French at 0.5% versus 0.4%, New Zealand at 0.7% versus 0.9%, and Dutch at 1.3% versus 1.5%.

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

Kununurra's median age is 32 years, which is younger than the Rest of WA's 40 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 21.2% of Kununurra's population compared to the Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 5.4%. This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, Kununurra has become younger with its median age decreasing by 1.3 years to 32 from 33. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 18.4% to 21.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.2% to 11.5% and the 5-14 group dropped from 15.6% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Kununurra. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 309 residents to reach 1,633. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.