South Hedland

Population growth drivers in South Hedland are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of South Hedland is estimated at around 12,733 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,687 people (15.3%) since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 11,046 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,655 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. South Hedland's population equates to a density ratio of 572 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's 15.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected. The suburb is expected to grow by 1,526 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.4% 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. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 14.2 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply lagging demand, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $599,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $39.3 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, South Hedland has 84.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although it is lower than national levels, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely 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 despite densification trends. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 380, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, South Hedland is expected to grow by 1,448 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

South Hedland has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub, South Hedland Tourist Development and Workforce Accommodation Village, South Hedland Town Centre Revitalisation, and South Hedland Service Worker Housing. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.0%. The area has 6,850 residents in work, an unemployment rate of 3.1% above Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, and a workforce participation rate of 66.7% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Major employment industries include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining has particularly high representation with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.1% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.5%, employment declined by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.1%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. 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.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. South Hedland's median income among taxpayers was $83,222, with an average of $95,715. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $95,040 (median) and $109,307 (average). Census 2021 income data shows South Hedland's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 96th percentiles. Distribution data indicates 36.3% of South Hedland's population (4,622 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting broader area patterns where 31.1% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 43.0% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of their income, demonstrating 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 while 28.3% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Hedland stood at 7.4%, with mortgaged properties at 20.4% and rented ones at 72.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,480. The median weekly rent in South Hedland was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $180. Nationally, South Hedland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 comprise the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households making up 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (38.9%). Educational participation is high at 37.9%, comprising primary education (16.9%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

The five schools in South Hedland have a combined enrollment of 2,388 students. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 18.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.3.

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

Transport analysis shows 80 active stops operating in South Hedland, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 183 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 present in both younger and older age groups. Approximately 65% of South Hedland's total population of 8,301 has private health cover, compared to Rest of WA's 70.8%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.2%) and mental health issues (5.2%), while 79.4% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of WA's 80.7%. South Hedland has 3.8%, or 483 people, aged 65 and over, with seniors facing specific health challenges requiring additional attention.

South Hedland was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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 predominant religion in South Hedland, accounting for 39.5% of the population. 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 significant 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% compared to 2.7%.

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

South Hedland's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Rest of WA's 40 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 20.6% of South Hedland's population, higher than Rest of WA but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 65-74 cohort makes up 3.0%, which is less prevalent compared to both Rest of WA and nationally. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 18.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for South Hedland in 2041 indicate that the 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 684 people (26%), from 2,622 to 3,307. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 5-14 cohorts.