South Hedland

Population growth drivers in South Hedland are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, South Hedland's estimated population is around 12,738 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,692 people (15.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,046 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 12,655 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 572 persons per square kilometer. South Hedland's growth exceeded the national average (9.7%) since the 2021 census, along with its SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

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, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, South Hedland is expected to grow by 1,526 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within South Hedland when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, South Hedland averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 131 homes. In FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 14.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $599,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $124,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating South Hedland's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, South Hedland has 84.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although this is lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (72.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 380 people, indicating South Hedland's quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Hedland is expected to grow by 1,443 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

South Hedland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 such projects that could impact the specified area. Among these key projects are South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub, South Hedland Tourist Development and Workforce Accommodation Village, Hedland Village Shopping Centre, and South Hedland Town Centre Revitalisation. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in South Hedland remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

South Hedland's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025, which is 0.9% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation in South Hedland is 66.7%, above the Rest of WA average of 59.4%. Key employment industries include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.1% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data.

Over the period from September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force grew by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points in South Hedland. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to South Hedland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of South Hedland's median income among taxpayers is $83,222. The average income in South Hedland during this period was $95,715. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Hedland would be approximately $91,228 (median) and $104,923 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in South Hedland all rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 96th percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 36.3% of South Hedland's population (4,623 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength is evident through 43.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

South Hedland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In South Hedland, as per the latest Census evaluation, 71.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 28.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Hedland stood at 7.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.4% and rented ones at 72.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,480. Weekly rent in South Hedland was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $180. Nationally, South Hedland's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Hedland has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 71.4% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which matches the average for the Rest of WA.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This difference presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.7% while certificates make up 38.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.9% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Hedland has 80 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 183 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 186 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 26 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

South Hedland's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

South Hedland's health outcomes show notable results, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 65% of South Hedland's total population of 8,305 has private health cover, compared to 70.9% in the rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%. The most frequent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 7.2% of residents) and mental health issues (5.2%), while 79.4% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 80.7% in the rest of WA.

South Hedland has 3.8% of its population aged 65 and over (484 people), with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in South Hedland was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Hedland's cultural diversity was notable, with 24.8% of its population born overseas and 19.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in South Hedland, accounting for 39.5% of people. Islam was overrepresented compared to the Rest of WA, comprising 4.7% versus 2.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (22.5%), English (21.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori at 2.8% in South Hedland compared to 2.7% regionally, New Zealand at 1.2% versus 1.3%, and Filipino at 3.2% versus 2.7%.

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

South Hedland's median age of 32 years is notably younger than Rest of WA's 40 years and significantly younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes a strong 20.6% of South Hedland's population, compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 3.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 17.0% to 18.5% of South Hedland's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in South Hedland. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly, expanding by 682 people (26%) from 2,624 to 3,307. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 5-14 cohorts.