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, the estimated population of South Hedland as of February 2026 is around 12,741 people. This reflects an increase of 1,695 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,046 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,655 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 572 persons per square kilometer in South Hedland. The suburb's growth rate of 15.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth for South Hedland was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, South Hedland is expected to grow by 1,526 persons to 2041, 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows South Hedland averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 131 homes. As of FY-26, 11 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 demand outpaces supply, which may lead to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $599,000, suggesting a focus on premium segment upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $124,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of WA, South Hedland has 84.0% more construction activity per person but is lower than the national average, implying market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity comprises entirely detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers construct more detached housing than suggested by existing patterns (72.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. The estimated population count of 380 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

South Hedland is projected to grow by 1,440 residents through to 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity aligns with growth projections, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

South Hedland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include the 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 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 white and blue collar employment, strongly represented manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and stable employment over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 7,081 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 0.9% above Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation is high at 76.1%.

Census responses show only 2.5% work from home. Leading industries include mining (2.3 times regional average), transport, postal & warehousing, health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence (0.1%). Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on resident vs working population count.

Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.2% and labour force by 0.8%, raising unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA's employment rise of 1.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Hedland's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (May-25 forecasts, simple weighting extrapolation).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows South Hedland's median income among taxpayers is $83,222. The average income in the suburb is $95,715. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high. In comparison, Rest of WA has a median income of $59,973 and an 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 ranks South Hedland's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 36.3% of the population, equivalent to 4,624 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 31.1% occupy this range. Economic strength in South Hedland 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, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Hedland's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 71.8% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Hedland was at 7.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (20.4%) or rented (72.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in South Hedland was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265 and the national figure of $375.

South Hedland has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.4 percent of all households, including 35.2 percent couples with children, 23.0 percent couples without children, and 11.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.6 percent, with lone person households at 25.2 percent and group households making up 3.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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 disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are common, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (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 81 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 these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 186 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. Only 2.5% of residents work from home (as recorded in the 2021 Census).

The service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, meaning each stop receives approximately two weekly trips.

Health performance in South Hedland is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

South Hedland faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (8,307 people), compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.2 and 5.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 79.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 3.7% of residents aged 65 and over (471 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 24.8% born overseas and 19.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 39.5%. Islam, however, was more prevalent in South Hedland at 4.7%, compared to 0.8% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, Australian-born parents made up 22.5% of the population, lower than the regional average of 28.4%. English-born parents comprised 21.5%, also below the regional average of 31.3%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal heritage was higher at 16.6%, surpassing the regional average of 6.1%. Some ethnic groups were notably different: Maori at 2.8% (regional: 1.0%), New Zealand at 1.2% (regional: 0.9%), and Filipino at 3.2% (regional: 1.2%).

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

South Hedland's median age in 2021 was 32 years, which is younger than Rest of WA's median age of 40 years and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years had a strong representation in South Hedland at 20.8%, compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 age cohort was less prevalent at 3.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present day, the population aged 35 to 44 years has grown from 17.0% to 18.9%, while the 15 to 24 age cohort increased from 11.6% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for South Hedland indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly, growing by 656 people (25%) from 2,650 to 3,307. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.