Exmouth

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Exmouth's population is around 5,310 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 651 people (14.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,659 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,277 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Exmouth's 14.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 46.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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 948 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 17.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Exmouth has experienced around 48 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 243 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 30 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.7 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $381,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $26.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Exmouth records 68.0% more development activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 77.0% standalone homes and 23.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 113 people per dwelling approval, Exmouth shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Exmouth adding 915 residents by 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.

Exmouth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Learmonth And Curtin Raaf Upgrades, Sundrift Estate - Exmouth Marina Land Release, Sundrift Estate (Exmouth Marina), and HyEnergy Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project, 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 conditions in Exmouth rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Exmouth has a skilled workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 2.5% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,098 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (71.8% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in accommodation and food, public administration and safety, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation and food, with employment levels at 2.4 times the regional average. In contrast, health care and social assistance employs just 5.6% of local workers, below Regional WA's 11.9%. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and the labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 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 Exmouth. 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 Exmouth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Exmouth SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,936 with the average level standing at $70,127. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,836 (median) and $76,873 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 68th percentile ($905 weekly), while household income sits at the 48th percentile. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.4% of residents (1,826 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Exmouth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.3% houses and 25.7% 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 Exmouth was lagging that of Regional WA, at 29.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.8%) or rented (43.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $263, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Exmouth's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Exmouth features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 63.8% of all households, comprising 25.5% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 6.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Exmouth faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational qualifications in Exmouth trail regional benchmarks, with 22.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 6.0% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Exmouth, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover just trails the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,862 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.5% and 5.8% of residents, respectively, while 77.1% 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 10.4% of residents aged 65 and over (551 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Exmouth was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 79.9% of its population being citizens, 78.4% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Exmouth is Christianity, which makes up 33.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Exmouth are Australian, comprising 30.7% of the population, English, comprising 29.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Exmouth (vs 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.7% (vs 6.1%) and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Exmouth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 35-year median age in Exmouth is notably under Regional WA's average of 40 and also modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional WA, Exmouth has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (22.0%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (7.0%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, a rejuvenation is evident as the median age fell from 37 to 35 years. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.1% to 22.0% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 15.2% to 18.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 7.0% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, Exmouth is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 35% (414 people), reaching 1,583 from 1,168. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 85+ cohorts.