Northam

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Northam's estimated resident population is around 7,483. This reflects a growth of 804 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,679. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,430 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 279 persons per square kilometer. Northam's growth rate of 12.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (9.4%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside of capital cities. The Northam SA2 is expected to expand by 1,162 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Northam among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Northam had approximately 34 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 171 homes. As of FY26, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.2 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which may put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $316,000.

This financial year has seen $10.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Northam records 18.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 72nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With around 176 people per dwelling approval, Northam exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate Northam will gain approximately 971 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Northam has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to impact the area: MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project and Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment. Other notable projects include Avon Industrial Park and EastLink WA, though they are less 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 employment landscape in Northam presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.7%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Northam's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent sectors being essential services. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 3.7%.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Northam had an unemployment rate 0.4% higher at 3.3%, and a lower workforce participation rate of 52.7% versus 59.4%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, retail trade is concentrated with levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, mining is underrepresented with only 3.2% of Northam's workforce compared to 11.7% in Rest of WA.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 2.5%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force expansion of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northam's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Northam suburb has a median income among taxpayers of $52,446 and an average of $62,335. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA's median income is $59,973 with an average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Northam would be approximately $57,491 (median) and $68,332 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Northam fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.2% of residents (2,185 people), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 31.1%. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Northam's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Non-Metro WA's 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northam stood at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 32.8% and rented dwellings making up 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. The median weekly rent in Northam was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $231. Nationally, Northam's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Northam features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of WA average.

Northam faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 30.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Northam has three active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together offer 29 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 1454 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, each route provides four trips per day, resulting in approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Northam is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Northam faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly below the average SA2 area's 54.4%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health concerns (9.3%), while 62.3% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 64.7%. Northam has 19.1% residents aged 65 and over (1,429 people), lower than Rest of WA's 21.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Northam ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Northam's population showed low cultural diversity, with 84.3% being citizens, 83.5% born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.7%, compared to 49.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (30.5%), and Scottish (6.6%).

Notably, Polish people made up 1.6% of Northam's population, higher than the regional average of 0.6%. The proportion of Australian Aboriginal people was also higher at 6.1%, compared to 3.4% regionally. Dutch ancestry was present at 1.5%, similar to the regional figure of 1.5%.

Northam's median age exceeds the national pattern

Northam's median age is 41, close to Rest of WA's figure of 40 and modestly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 12.5%, compared to Rest of WA's figure, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 11.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 10.9% to 12.2%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.1% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling indicates Northam's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 43%, reaching 1,297 people from 905. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.