Broome

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Broome's population is around 17,679 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,019 people (20.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,660 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,238 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 557 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 353 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Broome's 20.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.3% 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 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,187 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Broome has recorded around 73 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 366 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $366,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. There have also been $59.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Broome records 66.0% more new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. At around 204 people per approval, Broome reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Broome is expected to grow by 746 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Broome has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Broome Boating Facility, Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment, Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, and Broome North - Waranyjarri Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 has been broadly consistent with national averages

Broome possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,216 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (75.2% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, mining has a limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Broome. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Broome's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Broome SA2's median income among taxpayers is $64,015, with an average of $74,919. This is well above average nationally, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,173 (median) and $82,126 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Broome, between the 79th and 89th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 35.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,187 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. This suburb demonstrates considerable affluence with 32.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 79th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Broome, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Broome was lagging that of Regional WA, at 15.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (53.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Broome's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.6% of all households, comprising 31.3% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Broome significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 29.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 20.5% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.6% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Broome, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 134 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 921 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 6% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Broome, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~10,006 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 5.9% and 5.6% of residents, respectively, while 79.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 6.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,080 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.7% of its population being citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 87.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Broome is Christianity, which makes up 39.9% of people in Broome. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Broome are Australian, comprising 25.0% of the population, English, comprising 23.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 17.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Broome (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

At 33 years, Broome's median age is considerably lower than the Regional WA average of 40 and similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional WA, Broome has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (20.1%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (4.6%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.1% to 20.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 16.5% to 18.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.1% to 13.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.2% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Broome's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 22%, adding 780 residents to reach 4,334. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 age groups will see reduced numbers.