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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
Sales Activity
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Population
Nickol has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Nickol statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,539. This reflects a growth of 601 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,938. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,513 following examination of ABS data up to June 2024 and validation of eight new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,865 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The Nickol (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 12.2% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, surpassing both the national average of 9.7% and the non-metro area's growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% to overall population gains during recent periods in this area.
AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered by the first set of projections. Looking ahead, the Nickol (SA2) is expected to increase its population by 472 persons to reach a total of 6,011 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 8.2% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 indicates Nickol recorded around 28 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 141 homes. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed during this period. This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing buyer competition.
New properties are constructed at an average value of $752,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $55,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating Nickol's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Nickol has 59.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.
The location has approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Nickol will gain 454 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Nickol has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Madigan at Baynton West, Gap Ridge Homemaker Centre, Tambrey Village Shopping Centre, and Karratha Senior High School Upgrade. The following list details those likely most relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Resources Community Investment Initiative
A $750 million partnership between the WA Government and major resource companies (Rio Tinto, BHP, Woodside Energy, Chevron, Mineral Resources, Fortescue, Roy Hill) to fund community, social, and regional infrastructure. Key allocated projects include the $150.3 million Perth Concert Hall redevelopment and the $20 million Paraburdoo Hospital upgrade.
Gap Ridge Homemaker Centre
Karratha's first dedicated homemaker centre, featuring a 7,600 square meter Bunnings Warehouse and nine large format retail tenancies. As the only Bunnings in the Pilbara region, it services local demand for DIY, hardware, furniture, electrical appliances, and white goods. The project is located adjacent to residential developments and the Gap Ridge Industrial Estate, with the retail trade market in the area expected to reach $249 million by 2026. The development application by Good Country Holdings was unanimously approved by the Regional Development Assessment Panel on July 29, 2025.
Tambrey Village Shopping Centre
Tambrey Village Shopping Centre is a completed $17 million neighbourhood shopping precinct that opened in November 2020, serving the western suburbs of Karratha including Nickol, Millars Well, Baynton and Baynton West. The centre features a Good Grocer IGA supermarket operating 24/7, Hungry Jacks, Liberty fuel station, pharmacy, medical centre, dentist, liquor store, Grand Central Tavern sports bar, City of Karratha Indoor Play Centre, and various retail tenancies. The development created over 150 local jobs and provides essential convenience shopping for approximately 10,700 residents in the catchment area. The shopping centre is part of the broader Tambrey Neighbourhood Centre precinct, a 9.6-hectare mixed-use development site where DevelopmentWA continues to seek proposals for additional residential and commercial development opportunities.
Madigan at Baynton West
Madigan at Baynton West is Karratha's newest residential community offering modern affordable living in the popular suburb of Baynton. The masterplanned estate features residential lots ranging from 342sqm to 585sqm, positioned close to Baynton West Primary School, community centre, shops, and recreational facilities. Perdaman acquired 85 lots to build approximately 100 homes for workers of the 7 billion dollar Karratha Urea Project, with construction commenced in late 2024 and expected completion by June 2027. Stage 3 is in planning to deliver an additional 400 lots, plus land for a childcare centre and new primary school. The development emphasizes climate-responsive design principles and aims to create a vibrant, family-oriented community with modern amenities and landscaped public open spaces.
Rio Tinto Pilbara Rail Network Expansion (AutoHaul)
The world's first fully autonomous, long-distance heavy-haul rail network, spanning approximately 1,700km. The system utilizes Hitachi Rail technology to connect 17 mines to port facilities at Port Hedland and Cape Lambert. The network features over 220 trains monitored from a central Operations Centre in Perth, improving safety and operational efficiency by approximately 6%. Ongoing updates in 2026 focus on software optimization, predictive maintenance, and the integration of locally manufactured rail cars.
Fortescue Decarbonisation Plan
Fortescue's Pilbara Decarbonisation Plan is a long term program to eliminate fossil fuel use and achieve Real Zero scope 1 and 2 emissions across its Australian iron ore operations by 2030. The company has committed about US$6.2 billion (around A$9.5 billion) to deploy 2 to 3 GW of new wind and solar generation, large scale battery storage and an integrated 220 kV transmission network linking mine, rail and port sites across the Pilbara. Current works include a 190 MW solar farm at Cloudbreak, which is more than one third through construction and forms part of the Pilbara Solar Innovation Hub, together with multiple 220 kV transmission line packages connecting sites such as Solomon, Eliwana, Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek. Construction ramped up from 2024 and is expected to continue in stages through to 2030 as the renewable grid and electrified mining fleet are progressively delivered.
Pilbara Energy Transmission and Storage Infrastructure
State-led program to develop common-use transmission and storage infrastructure across the Pilbara to connect renewable generation to demand centers, lower energy costs and emissions, and support emerging industries including green hydrogen. Early work includes Burrup Common User Transmission Infrastructure linking Maitland SIA to Burrup, and planning for the Pilbara Green Link and other priority corridors under the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan.
WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP)
Statewide co-investment program delivering new and upgraded mobile, fixed wireless and broadband infrastructure to improve reliability, coverage and performance for regional and remote Western Australia. Current workstreams include the Regional Telecommunications Project, State Agriculture Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund, and the WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP).
Employment
Employment conditions in Nickol demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets
Nickol has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year.
This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 3,086 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was higher at 72.7%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included mining, construction, and education & training.
Mining had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.1% compared to the regional level of 9.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, labour force increased by 0.8%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Nickol. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nickol's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis
The suburb of Nickol had a median taxpayer income of $91,909 and an average income of $108,249 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. By September 2025, based on a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $100,751 (median) and $118,663 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Nickol rank highly nationally, between the 99th and 99th percentiles. The income bracket of $4000+ dominates with 46.6% of residents (2,581 people), unlike regional trends where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A substantial proportion of high earners (67.0%) are above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout Nickol. After housing costs, residents retain 92.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Nickol is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
The dwelling structure in Nickol, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nickol was at 4.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (20.8%) or rented (75.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Nickol was $2,021, exceeding Non-Metro WA's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Nickol was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $220. Nationally, Nickol's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Nickol features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 of 24.1%, exceeding 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 them – advanced diplomas account for 11.5% and certificates for 37.1%.
Educational participation is high, with 40.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 18.8% in primary, 10.8% in secondary, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis shows two operational public transit stops in Nickol. These stops offer mixed bus services, covered by two separate routes that collectively facilitate 20 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically situated 587 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages two trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly ten weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Nickol's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts
Health outcomes data shows notable results in Nickol, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 70% of Nickol's total population (3,886 people) has private health cover, compared to 73.3% across the rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.9% and 5.8% of residents respectively.
A total of 82.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 81.3% across the rest of WA. Nickol has 2.0% of its population aged 65 and over (110 people), lower than the 3.1% in the rest of WA.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.7% of its population born overseas and 13.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nickol, making up 35.3% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, comprising 0.1% versus 0.1%.
The top three ancestry groups in Nickol are Australian (27.5%), English (25.8%), and Other (8.3%). Notably, New Zealand (1.4%) and South African (1.1%) ethnicities have higher representation than the regional averages of 1.3% and 0.7%, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
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. This figure is also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Nickol has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (21.0%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (1.7%). The concentration of residents aged 35-44 in Nickol is well above the national average of 14.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 17.4% to 19.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 19.9% to 21.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 19.7% to 17.7%. Population forecasts for Nickol by 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 25%, adding 261 residents to reach a total of 1,319. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.