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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
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Northam has an estimated 7,634 residents, up from 6,679 at the 2021 Census — a change of 955 people, or 14.3%. Growth has averaged 2.3% a year over five years, faster than 83% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 75.0% of that increase. That puts 285 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Northam has a population estimated at approximately 7,634 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 955 residents (14.3%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 6,679 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident count of 7,618, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means there are 285 persons per square kilometer, indicating plenty of room per resident and opportunities for future growth.
The 14.3% expansion of the suburb of Northam since the 2021 census was faster than the national average (9.3%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. The expansion was mostly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 75.0% of the population increase in recent times, though other sources like overseas migration and natural growth also made positive contributions. AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for individual SA2 areas published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For locations lacking this data, and for projections beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 statistics. Looking at future demographic patterns, population growth for locations outside capital cities is expected to exceed the median, with the suburb of Northam projected to add 1,061 residents by 2041 under combined SA2-level estimates, representing a 13.7% overall increase across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
179 new dwellings have been approved in Northam over the past five years, an average of 35 a year. That places the area in the 86th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 5 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 41 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 93% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 67, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals distributed from statistical area statistics, about 35 new dwellings have been approved each year in Northam, totaling approximately 179 homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 62 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 4.5 individuals moving to the location annually for every home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outstripping supply, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new houses are being constructed at a mean value of $316,000.
Furthermore, $10.0 million in commercial building approvals have been logged this financial year, showing a moderate rate of commercial construction. Compared to the Rest of WA, building activity per person in Northam is 15.0% lower, though it sits in the 81st percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, and building volumes have risen recently. The new construction mix consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% semi-detached options or apartments, preserving the low-density character of the area and focusing on family-oriented dwellings. The area registers approximately 135 people for each approved dwelling, pointing to a growing market. Long-term projections indicate Northam will gain 1,045 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Construction levels are keeping a steady pace with this expected growth, though buyers might face increased competition as the population climbs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Northam
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Northam, worth an estimated $135 million. A further 24 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.3 billion. 7 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and planning schemes are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Prominent projects include the MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project, Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Avon Industrial Park, and EastLink WA, with the following details focusing on those of highest relevance.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Northam Hydrogen Plant - MEG HP1
Proposed green hydrogen production plant and solar farm expansion near Northam. The project proposes a 10 MW electrolyser plant using power from the existing Northam Solar Farm and up to 13 MW of additional solar panels, producing about 4 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen per day for light and heavy vehicle transport. Public consultation closed on 27 February 2025 and the Part 11B significant development application remains under assessment by the WA planning pathway pending a WAPC determination.
Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the Northam Boulevard shopping centre into a regional retail and community hub, incorporating over 2200 solar panels generating 40% of its electricity, merging with Northam Arcade, and featuring anchors Woolworths and Kmart plus over 22 specialty stores.
EastLink WA
EastLink WA is a long-term corridor project that will provide a safer and more efficient route between Perth and Northam. Planning and development for the full corridor has been completed, including the Ultimate Design Concept and land protection requirements. Construction is underway on associated Reid Highway interchanges at Altone Road and Daviot Road/Drumpellier Drive, with a further Henley Brook Avenue interchange funded. The broader EastLink WA mainline remains unfunded and is awaiting future business case and government investment decisions.
Gidgegannup Town Site
A proposed master-planned townsite with approximately 1,500 lots. The project aims to create a sustainable land development with services including roads, water, sewer, telecommunications, and power. The land is currently for sale and seeking a developer.
The Views Bullsbrook Estate
Residential land estate in the Bullsbrook foothills with views to the Perth hills and sunset coast, developed across two stages totalling approximately 22 hectares and around 187 lots. Lots ranged from family sized blocks to smaller downsizer options, with house and land packages marketed via local builders. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 are now titled and sold out, with the estate no longer listed among active releases by its project marketer. Located on Amalfi Drive close to Bullsbrook College, the Swan Valley wine region, and the NorthLink WA corridor into Perth.Estate promoted by Bullsbrook Syndicate Pty Ltd with sales handled by Jones Realty & Projects and Stage Property.
Gidgegannup Showgrounds Upgrade
Upgrades to the Gidgegannup Showgrounds including the hall, Burgo's bar, paving, car park, toilets, and arena. The project also includes a new sports pavilion, an advanced skate park, and remodelled BMX jumps.
Gidgegannup Play Space Public Art
The Gidgegannup Showgrounds is a significant community asset. The Showgrounds playspace will be renewed by 2024. This project is for the public art component of the renewal.
Kingsford at Bullsbrook Estate
Master-planned residential estate delivering 2,500 single residential lots over approximately 14 years in Bullsbrook, north-east of Perth. The estate features retained natural bushland, the Ki-it Monger Brook creek corridor, elevated homesites with Darling Scarp views, and 41ha of public open space. The Kingsford Town Centre is now open, anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, cafe, and specialty stores. Lot sizes average over 500sqm, with land selling from $375,000.
3,328 residents of Northam are employed, from a labour force of 3,518. Unemployment sits at 5.4%, with participation at 57.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 5,981, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Northam features a balanced workforce distributed between blue and white collar roles, with solid representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.4%, based on aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,328 residents are employed, which is 1.9% higher than the Regional WA unemployment rate of 3.5%, and labor force participation is lower at 57.2% compared to the regional figure of 65.6%. Census data indicates that a low 4.3% of workers operated from home, though the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind. The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.
The community shows a high concentration in retail trade, where the employment proportion is 1.5 times the regional rate. Conversely, mining representation is low at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. This mostly residential community seems to present a limited number of local jobs, as seen in the comparison between Census workers and resident population numbers. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the broader statistical areas, during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the labor force shrunk by 5.0% and total employment fell by 7.5%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 2.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% decrease in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context on future demand trends. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been matched against the local job profile to estimate growth. While national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the local industry mix indicates that local employment should rise by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (note that this is a weighted extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Northam is $1,246 a week (about $65,000 a year), with median personal income at $653 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,446 a year against an average of $62,335. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Northam features a median taxpayer income of $52,446 and an average of $62,335, according to the ATO postcode data from financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national average and contrast with Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated figures would be around $58,178 for the median and $69,148 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Northam all fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationwide.
The largest income bracket contains 29.2% of taxpayers earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,229 residents), which aligns with the metropolitan rate of 31.1% in this bracket. Discretionary income after housing costs stands at 85.9%, placing it in the 19th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Northam had 2,484 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 20.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing profile at the latest Census consisted of 92.8% standalone houses and 7.2% other housing styles (townhouses, flats, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other styles. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate of 36.3% was higher than the Regional WA average, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was below the Regional WA median, and the median weekly rent was $250, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265. Nationally, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Northam counted 2,484 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,839 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 81% of areas nationally, against 28% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the majority of homes at 65.1%, which includes 21.9% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with single-person households at 32.0% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.7% of adults in Northam hold a university qualification, including 9.4% with a bachelor degree and 2.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 30.5% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 1,998 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 895 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region has lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels (13.7%) falling below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and a potential area for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational training is common, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (30.5%). School enrollment is high, with 30.5% of the local population engaged in formal studies. This group is distributed as 12.3% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 1.8% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Northam means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport data shows 3 stops operating in Northam, consisting of a mix of bus options. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which provide 29 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 1454 meters from the nearest stop. Private cars remain the primary method of travel at 90%, while 6% of residents walk. Car ownership is lower than the regional average, at 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. A low 4.3% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Service frequency is about 4 trips daily across all routes, which averages out to roughly 9 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.3% of residents in Northam report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 84% of areas nationally. 7.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators highlight notable challenges in Northam, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, which are prominent in both young and old cohorts, while private health insurance rates are slightly below the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the population (~3,965 people). This compares to 56.4% of residents across Regional WA. The most prevalent health issues reported in the area were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 9.4 and 9.3% of the community, respectively, while 62.3% reported no chronic medical conditions compared to 69.3% across Regional WA.
Working-age residents experience health difficulties with higher rates of chronic illness. The area has 20.0% of its population aged 65 and over (1,526 people). Health statistics for seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings showing greater disparity than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Northam is largely Australian-born, at 83.5% of residents, with 7.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.9%) and Australian (30.5%). 6.1% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Northam has a lower level of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 84.3% of the population, 83.5% of residents born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 51.7% of residents, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries are English at 30.9%, Australian at 30.5%, and Scottish at 6.6%. Some minor groups show notable variations: Polish is overrepresented at 1.6% of the population (compared to 0.5% regionally), Australian Aboriginal is at 6.1% (compared to 6.1% regionally), and Dutch is at 1.5% (compared to 1.5% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Northam is 41. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 24.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Northam features a median age of 41, which is close to the Regional WA average of 40 and slightly older than the national median of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is well represented at 12.7% compared to Regional WA, while the 45 - 54 bracket is less common at 10.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 10.9% to 12.4% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Future age projections suggest the local demographic mix will change significantly by 2041.
The 25 to 34 age bracket is expected to lead this change with a 40% increase (353 people), rising from 893 to 1,247. Conversely, declines are projected for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Northam
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 20 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,679 at the 2021 Census → 7,634 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL51157). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.