Port Hedland

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Port Hedland statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population is around 4,234 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 153 people (3.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,081 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,161 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 62 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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). Future population trends indicate an increase just below Australia's regional median, with the Port Hedland (SA2) expected to expand by 382 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.6% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Port Hedland is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Port Hedland's development activity has been very limited, averaging one approval per year over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. This resulted in a total of six dwellings approved during this time. Such low development levels are typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is restricted by local demand and infrastructure capacity.

It should be noted that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can fluctuate significantly based on individual projects. Recent building activity in Port Hedland has consisted solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's rural character while emphasizing space.

New constructions have favored detached housing more than current patterns suggest (68.0% at Census), indicating a robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2100 people, reflecting Port Hedland's quiet and low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Port Hedland is projected to add 321 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Port Hedland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 25 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Fortescue Port Hedland Operations Decarbonisation and Modernisation, Hedland on the Horizon: West End and South Hedland Town Centre Precinct Structure Plans, Pilbara Ammonia Bunkering Project, and Athol Street Cooke Point Development. The following list details projects of greatest relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Port Hedland performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Port Hedland has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.8%, with relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 2689 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is high at 74.9%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining is particularly specialized with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.2% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.5 workers per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, labour force by 0.3%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Rest of WA where employment grew by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Port Hedland. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Hedland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Port Hedland had one of the highest income levels nationally according to AreaSearch data based on the latest ATO figures for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Port Hedland was $100,747 and the average income stood at $121,565, compared to $59,973 and $74,392 respectively for the rest of WA. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $110,439 and $133,260 respectively. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Port Hedland rank highly nationally, between the 99th and 99th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 40.3% of residents (1,706 people) fall within the $4,000+ bracket, unlike regional trends where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 62.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Port Hedland displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a predominantly rental market

Port Hedland's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.1% houses and 31.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Port Hedland stood at 8.6%, with 14.7% of dwellings under mortgage and 76.7% rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,812, while the median weekly rent was $210. Compared nationally, Port Hedland's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were significantly below the national figure of $375.

Port Hedland has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 5.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 30.5%, comprising 27.8% lone person households and 3.1% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people.

Educational attainment in Port Hedland aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 25.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of WA average of 17.6% and the SA4 region average of 20.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 50.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 37.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 16.4% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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

Port Hedland has 68 active public transport stops. These are served by bus routes only. There is one route in operation, offering a total of 73 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 138 meters. Buses run on average 10 times per day across all routes, equating to about one weekly trip per stop.

Port Hedland's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Port Hedland's health outcomes show excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 75% of its total population of 4,260 people have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.2%) and mental health issues (5.8%), with 82.1% reporting no medical ailments. This is notably higher compared to the rest of WA where 0% reported being completely clear of medical ailments. As of June 30, 2021146 people aged 65 and over reside in Port Hedland, comprising 3.3% of its population. Despite this small senior population, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Port Hedland's cultural diversity index was above average, with 12.5% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 23.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Port Hedland, comprising 40.2% of the population. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation of 0.1%, compared to None% across the Rest of WA.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.9%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (8.5%). Significant divergences included New Zealand at 1.5% (vs None% regionally), Maori at 1.8% (vs None%), and Dutch at 1.8% (vs None%).

Port Hedland hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Port Hedland's median age is 33 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Rest of WA, Port Hedland has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (23.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.5%). This concentration is well above the national average of 14.2%. Since the census in 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by one year to 33 years. Key changes include the growth of the 25 to 34 age group from 19.6% to 22.3%, and the increase of the 35 to 44 cohort from 21.6% to 23.8%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 9.3% to 8.1%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 9.6% to 8.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Port Hedland. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 224 people (24%) from 944 to 1,169. Conversely, both the 85+ and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.