Broome
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Broome's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 16,607. This figure represents an increase of 1,947 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,660. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,238 in June 2024 and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 331 persons per square kilometer. Broome's 13.3% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.3% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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 and to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 2,187 persons, representing a total increase of 10.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Broome has recorded approximately 73 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 366 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 30 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, around three people move to the area per new home constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $366,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

There have been $59.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of WA, Broome records 66.0% more new home approvals per person, offering 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 a preference for detached housing that attracts 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.

With around 204 people per approval, Broome reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, Broome is projected to grow by 1,818 residents through to 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Broome has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment, Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, Port of Broome Wharf Extension Works, and Kimberley Marine Support Base. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Broome has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Broome has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% as of June 2025.

At this time, 8,887 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Broome was 66.6%, higher than the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food sectors. The area specializes particularly in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Mining has limited presence, employing only 3.1% of residents compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Labour force levels decreased by 2.1% over the year to June 2025 in Broome, accompanied by a 1.9% decrease in employment, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, employment grew by 1.1% and labour force expanded by 0.5% in the Rest of WA during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Broome's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2022. Broome's median income among taxpayers was $61,902, with an average of $72,750. Nationally, the median was $54,385 and the average was $72,165. In Rest of WA, the median was $57,323 and the average was $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $70,692 (median) and $83,080 (average) in Broome. The 2021 Census ranked household, family, and personal incomes in Broome between the 79th and 89th percentiles nationally. Distribution data showed that 35.0% of residents earned $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (5,812 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 31.1%. In Broome, 32.5% earned over $3,000 per week. Housing accounted for 14.9% of income, with residents ranking in the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Broome is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Broome's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broome stood at 15.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 53.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average, while the median weekly rent was $330, higher than Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Broome's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $330 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.6% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households making up 5.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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

Broome has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 29.3% possess university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the broader benchmarks of 17.6% in the rest of Western Australia and 20.5% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage positions Broome strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 40.9% of residents holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 28.9%. Educational participation is notably high in Broome, 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. A robust network of 8 schools operates within Broome, educating approximately 2,953 students. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions across Broome, with education provision balanced by 5 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Broome's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Broome shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~9,299 people), compared to 53.4% in the rest of WA.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.9% and 5.6% of residents respectively. 79.2% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 79.9% figure for the rest of WA. As of June 20XX (date preserved verbatim), 6.6% of Broome's population is aged 65 and over (1,089 people). Seniors' health outcomes align with those of 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's cultural diversity is similar to the wider region's average. 78.7% of its population are citizens, 82.1% were born in Australia, and 87.2% speak English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Broome, with 39.9% adherents.

Buddhism is overrepresented in Broome (1.5%) compared to Rest of WA (1.1%). Top ancestry groups are Australian (25.0%), English (23.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.0%). Notably, French (0.6%), Filipino (1.5%), and South African (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Broome compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 1.1%, and 0.3% respectively.

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

Broome's median age is 33 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA, Broome has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (19.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group of 25 to 34 has grown from 17.1% to 19.5%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 16.5% to 17.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.1% to 14.1%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.2% to 12.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Broome's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 34%, adding 1,093 residents to reach a total of 4,334. In contrast, both the 65 to 74 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.