Broome

Population growth drivers in Broome are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population of Broome stands at approximately 16,524 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,864 people (12.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 14,660 people. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 16,506 combined with 579 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The population density translates to 330 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for potential future projects. Outperforming the national average (9.3%) and matching the Rest of WA, Broome's 12.7% growth highlights its status as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of these population gains was overseas migration, which represented roughly 57.6% of the expansion during recent timeframes.

AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, utilizing 2022 as the base year from a 2024 release. For SA2 zones lacking this specific coverage, and for estimations extending past 2032, AreaSearch implements age-cohort growth rates sourced from the latest Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS in 2023, utilizing 2022 data. Looking forward, the population growth for non-metropolitan areas is anticipated to exceed national medians, with this local area projected to add 2,008 persons by 2041 using the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 12.0% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Broome among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Approvals for residential builds in Broome average approximately 73 properties annually, with 366 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 89 recorded so far during FY-26. Over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an average of 2.9 new residents were added for each completed home, indicating robust demand that underpins property values, while new dwellings carry a mean construction value of $366,000—slightly higher than the regional average—pointing toward a focus on premium developments. Furthermore, commercial project approvals have reached $59.5 million this financial year, showing active commercial investment locally.

Broome displays 66.0% more new home approvals (per person) compared to Rest of WA, offering a broader selection for buyers. Of the construction recently completed, 93.0% consisted of detached houses and 7.0% were townhouses or apartments, maintaining the low-density characteristics of the locality through a focus on standalone homes for buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing traditional houses at a higher rate than the historic housing stock recorded at the Census (78.0%), demonstrating that demand for family homes remains strong despite densification trends. The area has roughly 207 people per dwelling approval, showing a growing market.

Long-term projections indicate that Broome will add 1,990 residents by 2041 (calculated from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current building volumes, the supply of housing is expected to sufficiently satisfy demand, maintaining balanced conditions for purchasers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current projections.

Broome has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, major construction projects, and zoning plans have a significant impact on regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 20 active projects that are expected to affect the local area. Principal developments include the Broome Boating Facility, the Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment, the Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, and the Town Beach Cafe Redevelopment, with details provided below for the most significant works.

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.

Employment performance in Broome exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

The local workforce in Broome is highly educated, with strong representation in key service industries, an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and estimated annual employment growth of 3.1%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 9,282, with unemployment registering 0.1% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%, and labor force participation substantially elevated at 74.0% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%. Census data indicates a low proportion of residents (5.5%) worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Specialization is particularly high in health care & social assistance, which has a concentration 1.7 times that of the regional average. Conversely, mining is underrepresented, employing just 3.1% of the Broome workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. While there are local jobs available within the area, a comparison of the Census working population against the local job count suggests many residents travel outside the area for employment.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the year ending March 2026, the number of employed persons rose by 3.1% and the labor force grew by 3.0%, while unemployment levels held steady. In contrast, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% drop in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future labor demand in Broome. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While total employment nationally is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary by sector. Applying these industry weightings to the Broome workforce profile indicates local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

In the Broome SA2, the median income for taxpayers is $64,015 and the average is $74,919 based on the most recent postcode ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are significantly above the national average, and contrast with Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Incorporating Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $71,012 (median) and $83,108 (average). Census findings show household, family, and individual incomes are all positioned high nationally, falling between the 79th and 89th percentiles. Income distributions show the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly band contains 35.0% of the population (5,783 individuals), which is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.1% are in this category. Financial strength is shown by the 32.5% of households earning high weekly incomes above $3,000, which supports local retail spending. Housing costs represent 14.9% of total income, while high earnings position local residents in the 79th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA income index places the area in the 6th decile.

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

The mix of housing in Broome at the last Census consisted of 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwelling types (such as townhouses, units, and alternative accommodation), compared to Regional WA's split of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership rates in Broome were lower than the Regional WA benchmark, standing at 15.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (53.5%). The median monthly cost for home loans was $2,167, which is notably above the Regional WA average, while the median weekly rental cost was $330, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. On a national level, Broome's mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are below the national median of $375.

Broome features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the largest share of local households at 70.6%, consisting of couples with children at 31.3%, couples without children at 24.7%, and single parent households at 13.4%. Non-family households represent the remaining 29.4%, with single person homes at 24.3% and group housing at 5.1%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is higher than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Broome shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Rates of academic achievement in Broome are higher than regional averages, with 29.3% of the population aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 20.5% in the broader SA4 region. This education profile supports local knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational training is also common, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.9%).

Levels of educational enrollment are high, with 37.3% of the population participating in study. This group is composed of 15.6% in primary school, 10.6% in high school, and 3.8% in higher education or university programs.

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

Public transport networks in Broome contain 34 active transit stops operating bus services. These stops connect to 1 separate route, providing 134 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 921 meters from their closest stop. The area is mostly residential and the majority of workers commute outside the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 85%, followed by walking at 6% and cycling at 4%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.5. A small share of the population (5.5%) worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic regulations.

Services run at an average frequency of 19 trips per day across all routes, which is equivalent to approximately 3 weekly trips for each transit stop.

Broome's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Assessments of local health data indicate positive outcomes across Broome, based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality and long-term illness rates. Both youth and older demographics show low rates of standard chronic illnesses, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high, covering approximately 57% of the population (~9,352 people).

The most prevalent health issues recorded locally are mental health conditions and asthma, which affect 5.9% and 5.6% of the population respectively, while 79.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age cohort shows low rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 6.9% of the local population (1,138 people), which is lower than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior citizens in the area show high health rankings compared to national senior demographics.

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

Broome shows similar levels of cultural diversity to the wider region, with citizens making up 78.7% of the population, 82.1% of residents born in Australia, and 87.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation at 39.9%. The most notable variance from regional norms is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 1.5% of residents, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA.

Regarding parental ancestry, the three largest ethnic groups in Broome are Australian at 25.0%, English at 23.7% (which is below the regional average of 31.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 17.0% (which is higher than the regional average of 6.1%). Other ethnic groups showing differences from regional figures include French at 0.6% (vs 0.4% regionally), Filipino at 1.5% (vs 1.2%), and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.6%).

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

The median age in Broome is 33 years, which is lower than the Regional WA median of 40 and the Australian average of 38. Compared to Regional WA, Broome has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (19.2%) and a smaller share aged 65 - 74 (5.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket has increased from 17.1% to 19.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 16.5% to 18.0%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 16.1% to 13.6%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.2% to 12.7%. Demographic models suggest the age profile will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 32% (adding 1,003 residents to reach 4,183), while the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to contract.