Nickol

Nickol has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Nickol is around 5,555, reflecting an increase of 617 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 12.5% change from the previous population count of 4,938. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 5,513, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,870 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.5% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%, positioning Nickol as a growth leader in its region. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this increase.

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 estimates, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan Australian areas, with Nickol expected to gain an additional 468 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of 7.9% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Nickol recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 141 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to demand significantly exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new homes was $752,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $55,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Nickol shows 59.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although recent construction activity has eased. All new constructions in Nickol have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

The location has approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Nickol is expected to grow by 438 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Nickol has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect this region: Madigan at Baynton West, Gap Ridge Homemaker Centre, Tambrey Village Shopping Centre, and Karratha Senior High School Upgrade. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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Nickol ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Nickol has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 3,087 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was high at 78.9% compared to the regional average of 67.2%. Census responses indicated that only 4.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading employment industries among Nickol's residents include mining, construction, and education & training.

The area has a significant specialization in mining, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.1% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force increased by 0.8%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a drop in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Nickol's employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Nickol suburb had a median taxpayer income of $91,909 and an average income of $108,249. Nationally, these figures rank in the top percentile. In comparison, Rest of WA had median and average incomes of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimated median income is approximately $100,751 and average income is $118,663. Census figures from 2021 show Nickol's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly, between the 99th and 99th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 46.6% of locals (2,588 people) earn over $4000 weekly, unlike regional trends where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. A substantial 67.0% of residents exceed $3,000 weekly income. After housing costs, residents retain 92.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Nickol's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nickol was at 4.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 75.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,021, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Nickol was recorded at $240, lower than Non-Metro WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Nickol's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Nickol features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.3% of all households, including 50.7% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 2%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Nickol shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 24.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of WA average of 17.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 11.5% and certificates make up 37.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 40.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 18.8% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows two active stops operating within Nickol, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, collectively providing 20 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 587 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, exceeding regional norms. Only 4.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages two trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly ten weekly trips per stop.

Nickol's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Nickol residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with AreaSearch's analysis finding mortality rates and health conditions largely aligned with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are quite low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 70% of Nickol's total population (3897 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.9% and 5.8% of residents respectively. 82.8% of Nickol residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Only 2.0% of Nickol's population is aged 65 and over (111 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA but still ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Nickol's cultural diversity is notable, with 21.7% of its population born overseas and 13.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Nickol, comprising 35.3% of people. Judaism, while a minority, is more prevalent in Nickol at 0.1% compared to 0.0% across Rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.5%), English (25.8%), and Other (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: New Zealanders make up 1.4% in Nickol versus 0.9% regionally, Maori 1.7% versus 1.0%, and South Africans 1.1% versus 0.6%.

Nickol hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Nickol's median age is 31 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years, and also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA, Nickol has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (21.5%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (1.7%). This concentration of residents aged 35-44 is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 17.4% to 19.4%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 19.9% to 21.5%. Conversely, the population aged 5 to 14 has declined from 19.7% to 17.0%. Population forecasts for Nickol in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, adding 238 residents to reach a total of 1,316. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 age groups.