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 was around 16,553 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,893 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,660 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 330 persons per square kilometer as of June 2024. Broome's growth rate exceeded the national average between 2021 and 2025. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.3% to this increase during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region growth rates by age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Based on recent trends, Broome's non-metropolitan area is projected to increase by 2,187 persons to 2041, marking an overall increase of 11.3% 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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 366 dwellings were approved. As of June 2026 (FY26), approximately 20 residential properties have been granted approval.

On average, over these five financial years, each dwelling has accommodated around three new residents per year. This suggests solid demand for housing in Broome, which supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $501,000. Additionally, there have been approximately $59.5 million worth of commercial approvals recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment.

When compared to the rest of Western Australia, Broome records around 66.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers in the area. The current new building activity shows that approximately 93.0% of dwellings are detached, while around 7.0% are attached. This maintains the area's traditional low density character and focuses on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes. With approximately 204 people per dwelling approval, Broome exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, projections suggest that Broome is expected to grow by around 1,872 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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 has identified 24 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include the Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment, Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus, Port of Broome Wharf Extension Works, and Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment. The following list provides more details on these projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

While Broome retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Broome has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 8,887 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and workforce participation at 66.6%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Broome is particularly specialized in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Mining, however, is under-represented with only 3.1% of Broome's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Broome's labour force decreased by 2.1%, employment decreased by 1.9%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 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

Broome's median income among taxpayers was $61,902 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $72,750 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Broome as of March 2025 are approximately $69,089 (median) and $81,196 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Broome rank between the 79th and 89th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 35.0% of residents (5,793 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.1%. Economic strength is evident through 32.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, and strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Broome, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 22.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares 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 the Non-Metro WA average. The median weekly rent was $330, higher than Non-Metro WA's $200 but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Broome's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863.

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 account for the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 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's residents aged 15+ have a significantly higher educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. 29.3% hold university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of WA's 17.6% and the SA4 region's 20.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.9% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 37.3% currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (15.6%), secondary (10.6%), and tertiary (3.8%) levels. Broome operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 2,953 students. Education provision is balanced with 5 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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 exhibits excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is approximately 56% of the total population (~9,269 people), compared to 53.4% across the rest of WA.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.9% and 5.6% of residents respectively. Notably, 79.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is comparable to the 79.9% rate across the rest of WA. As of June 2021, 6.6% of Broome's residents are aged 65 and over (1,085 people). The health outcomes among seniors in Broome are particularly strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 aligns with the wider region, with 78.7% citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 87.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 39.9%. Buddhism is slightly overrepresented, at 1.5% compared to 1.1% regionally.

Top ancestral groups are Australian (25.0%), English (23.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.0%). Notably, French (0.6%) and Filipino (1.5%) populations exceed regional averages of 0.5% and 1.1%, respectively, while South African is higher at 0.5%.

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

Broome's median age is 33 years, significantly lower than the Rest of WA average of 40, and substantially below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Broome has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.5%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group 25-34 increased from 17.1% to 19.5%, while the age group 35-44 rose from 16.5% to 17.7%. Conversely, the age group 5-14 declined from 16.1% to 14.1%, and the age group 45-54 dropped from 14.2% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Broome's age profile will change significantly. The age group 25-34 is projected to grow by 34%, adding 1,104 residents to reach 4,334. In contrast, both the age groups 65-74 and 75-84 are expected to have reduced numbers.