Halls Creek

Halls Creek has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Halls Creek's population is around 4,252 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 649 people (18.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,603 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,236 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 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. Halls Creek's 18.0% 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 60.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, 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, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 447 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Halls Creek recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Halls Creek has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals per year, with 25 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With an average of 16.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $488,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $377,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Halls Creek has significantly less development activity (56.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1189 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Halls Creek adding 431 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Halls Creek has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Halls Creek to Kununurra Bridges, East Kimberley Clean Energy Project, Gibb River Road Upgrades, and Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, 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.

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Employment conditions in Halls Creek face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Halls Creek possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 27.8%. As of December 2025999 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 24.3% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (42.9% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise education & training, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The area has particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level. In contrast, mining employs just 4.4% of local workers, below Regional WA's 11.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 2.5% alongside a 2.6% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 3.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Halls Creek. 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 Halls Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% 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 place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Halls Creek SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $46,819 while the average income stands at $57,378. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,323 (median) and $62,898 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Halls Creek all fall between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 29.4% of the community (1,250 individuals), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.1%. While housing costs are modest with 92.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Halls Creek, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.8% houses and 16.2% 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 Halls Creek lagged that of Regional WA, at 8.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (1.5%) or rented (90.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $90, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Halls Creek's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Halls Creek has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.6% of all households, comprising 27.8% couples with children, 12.8% couples without children, and 25.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 3.3 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (3.8%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.1% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Halls Creek's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Halls Creek's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,023 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and asthma, impacting 6.5% and 4.2% of residents, respectively, while 82.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The area has 6.5% of residents aged 65 and over (274 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, Halls Creek records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Halls Creek was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 5.7% of its population born overseas and 54.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Halls Creek is Christianity, which makes up 73.4% of people in Halls Creek, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Halls Creek are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 73.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%, English, comprising 8.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Australian, comprising 6.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.4%.

Halls Creek hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 29 years, Halls Creek's median age is materially younger than the Regional WA average of 40 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional WA, Halls Creek has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (19.6%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (3.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.0% to 19.6% of the population. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 18.1% to 16.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Halls Creek's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 39%, adding 321 residents to reach 1,155. On the other hand, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 159.