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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Halls Creek has an estimated 4,265 residents, up from 3,603 at the 2021 Census — a change of 662 people, or 18.4%. Growth has averaged 1.5% a year over five years, faster than 89% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 60.8% of that increase. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Halls Creek stands at approximately 4,265 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 662 residents (18.4%) from the 2021 Census, when 3,603 individuals were recorded. This population shift is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population of 4,265 from June 2025 alongside 9 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, which indicates substantial space per resident. Outpacing both the national average (9.3%) and the Rest of WA, Halls Creek's 18.4% increase since the 2021 census establishes it as a regional growth leader.
Natural increase was the primary driver of this population growth, accounting for roughly 60.8% of the total demographic gains in recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are applied by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For SA2 territories excluded from these datasets, and to project trends beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (issued in 2023 and based on 2022 figures) are utilized. Anticipated changes in demographics indicate that population expansion will track just under the median for regional parts of Australia, with the local population projected to rise by 416 individuals by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, representing a total increase of 9.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
25 new dwellings have been approved in Halls Creek over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 14, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Halls Creek has registered approximately 5 residential building approvals annually, translating to a total of 25 residential units over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 13 approvals have been logged. With an average of 12 new residents per year added for each home built over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand is outstripping supply. This imbalance typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies buyer competition, especially as new construction averages a value of $488,000, indicating that developers are prioritizing high-end offerings for the premium segment.
Furthermore, the area's residential character is highlighted by $377,000 in commercial approvals registered during this financial year. Compared to the Rest of WA, Halls Creek exhibits a low level of development activity, sitting 56.0% below the regional average per capita. Although building activity has recently quickened, this constrained supply generally assists in maintaining values and demand for existing houses. Development intensity is also below the national average, showcasing the established profile of the community and pointing to possible planning constraints. The mix of new construction comprises 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, which maintains the low density character of the area and caters to buyers seeking spacious detached options. The quiet nature of the building sector is highlighted by a ratio of 1199 people in the area for every single dwelling approval. Looking forward, the population of Halls Creek is projected to expand by 416 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, residential supply is likely to fall short of population gains, which will probably heighten buyer competition and support price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Halls Creek
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Halls Creek, worth an estimated $62 million. A further 65 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $14.3 billion. 20 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 3 active projects that are anticipated to influence the local area. The primary projects of relevance include the Halls Creek to Kununurra Bridges, the East Kimberley Clean Energy Project, the Gibb River Road Upgrades, and the Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, with details on the most significant initiatives provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Halls Creek to Kununurra Bridges
Upgrade of the Great Northern Highway in the Kimberley to replace three single lane bridges at Arthur Creek, Frog Hollow Creek and Tickalara Creek with new dual lane structures and to widen about 26 km of highway between Halls Creek and Kununurra. The works improve safety and traffic flow, reduce the risk of head on crashes and cut delays caused by stopping at single lane crossings. The new bridges are designed for a 100 year flood event, improving flood resilience and reliability for freight, local communities and tourists.Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek bridges were completed and opened to traffic in 2024, with the Arthur Creek bridge delivered under the same package, and the project is now reported as complete.
Ord River Irrigation Scheme Expansion
A major project to expand the Ord River Irrigation Area to up to 50,000 hectares, aiming to create a productive and environmentally responsible farming region. The project includes a $322.5 million Royalties for Regions investment and aims to double the size of the Ord Irrigation Scheme Area.
East Kimberley Clean Energy Project
The East Kimberley Clean Energy Project is a proposed green hydrogen and ammonia facility in East Kimberley, Western Australia. The project involves the development of approximately one gigawatt of solar PV, combined with approximately 20 megawatts of hydro energy from the existing Ord Hydro Power Plant at Lake Argyle, approximately 70 kilometres south of Kununurra. The hydro and solar energy would be used to produce approximately 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes per annum of hydrogen on nearby MG Corporation land.The renewable hydrogen would be transported by a 120 kilometre pipeline to Wyndham and is expected to produce 180,000 to 250,000 tonnes per annum of ammonia.
Manjali Studio School
A new residential studio school for middle-year Indigenous students (Years 7-9) located on Bunuba country. The school was developed in partnership with the Bunuba community and Studio Schools of Australia, featuring innovative learning spaces and accommodation.
Kimberley Wilderness Walk
Development of a long-distance trek through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, aimed at boosting tourism and providing new visitor experiences in the conservation park. Funding has been allocated in state budgets to progress the project.
East Kimberley Regional Airport Runway Extension
Stage 2 upgrade extending the runway at East Kimberley Regional Airport (EKRA) in Kununurra from 1,829m to 2,370m and widening it from 30m to 45m to accommodate unrestricted Code 4C aircraft operations (Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320). Works include taxiway upgrades, new and upgraded aprons, communications infrastructure and lighting upgrades. The project removes current weight and passenger restrictions that limit the Virgin Australia 737-800 Perth service to as few as 146 passengers. Funded jointly by the Commonwealth ($13.5m), State ($2.5m) and Shire ($1.5m) governments.Contractor ACG commenced works on 10 March 2025 with major works targeted for completion by October 2025. Approximately 55 jobs are directly supported during construction.
Kununurra Foreshore Plan
A comprehensive plan to manage and preserve the Lake Kununurra Foreshore, focusing on ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and future development.
Lakeside Park Estate
Premium residential estate located two kilometres south-east of Kununurra town centre, offering a range of residential lots and a grouped housing site. Features short walk to Lake Kununurra and stunning views of Mirima Ranges. Part of population growth strategy targeting 25,000 people by 2041.
1,050 residents of Halls Creek are employed, from a labour force of 1,387. Unemployment sits at 24.3%, with participation at 42.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Halls Creek is distributed between white and blue collar occupations, with a solid representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 24.3%, and a 5.6% expansion in estimated employment over the prior year. In March 2026, 1,050 residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 20.8% higher than the rate of 3.5% in Regional WA, signaling capacity for improvement, while the participation rate is notably low at 42.7% compared to 65.6% for Regional WA. Census responses indicate that a minimal 3.5% of workers worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local citizens are education & training, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The locality shows a high concentration of jobs in education & training, with a share of employment that is 2.9 times the regional average. Conversely, mining plays a minor role, employing 4.4% of workers compared to 11.7% across the region. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment options are limited within the immediate area. AreaSearch evaluated SALM and ABS figures to show that from the year ending March 2026, employment rose by 5.6% while the labour force grew by 3.4%, which led to a 1.6 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Meanwhile, Regional WA saw a 0.1% decline in employment alongside a 0.3% increase in the labour force, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia released national employment forecasts in May-25 that provide additional context regarding potential future demand in Halls Creek. These forecasts span five and ten year periods and were overlaid onto the local employment profile to project growth trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral growth rates vary considerably. When these sectoral projections are applied to Halls Creek’s employment composition, local employment is estimated to rise by 6.4% over five years and by 13.6% over ten years. This calculation uses simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Halls Creek is $1,096 a week (about $57,000 a year), with median personal income at $362 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,819 a year against an average of $57,378. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics from the ATO aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that income levels in the Halls Creek SA2 are below the national average. The median taxpayer income in the Halls Creek SA2 is $46,819 and the average income is $57,378, compared to regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $51,936 for the median and $63,649 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in Halls Creek between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationally.
Income distribution figures indicate that 29.4% of the population (1,253 individuals) falls within the $800 - 1,499 weekly income bracket, whereas the regional majority sits in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 31.1%. Even though residents retain 92.1% of their income due to modest housing expenses, total disposable income sits at the 14th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Halls Creek had 909 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 84% detached houses and 2% apartments. 2% are owned with a mortgage, 90% rented and 8% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $90 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,600 a month. Rent absorbs 8.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 33.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential structures in Halls Creek consisted of 83.8% detached houses and 16.2% alternative options such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% alternative structures. Homeownership rates in Halls Creek were lower than the Regional WA average, standing at 8.3%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (1.5%) or rented (90.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was $1,600, which is higher than the regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent was $90, compared to $265 in Regional WA.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Halls Creek are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are significantly below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Halls Creek counted 909 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,076 today, averaging 3.3 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 13% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 70.6%, which includes couples with children at 27.8%, couples without children at 12.8%, and single parent families at 25.4%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.4%, with single-person households at 27.0% and group households representing 2.1%. The median size of a household is 3.3 individuals, which exceeds the Regional WA average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.3% of adults in Halls Creek hold a university qualification, including 8.4% with a bachelor degree and 2.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 24.9% hold a vocational qualification. 9 schools serve the area, with 619 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 665 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment presents challenges in the area, as university qualification rates stand at 12.3%, well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights both a key obstacle and a target for future educational programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas (3.8%) and certificates (24.9%). Participation in education is high, with 33.0% of the population enrolled in formal studies.
This enrollment consists of 18.1% in primary schools, 9.4% in secondary schools, and 1.0% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
82.8% of residents in Halls Creek report no long-term health condition. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 13.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics in Halls Creek align closely with national averages based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, showing standard rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older demographics. The level of private health insurance coverage is very low, encompassing approximately 48% of the population (~2,030 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%. The primary medical diagnoses in the area are diabetes and asthma, affecting 6.5% and 4.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 82.8% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 6.7% of the local population (284 people), which is lower than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health outcomes are strong, ranking higher nationally than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Halls Creek is largely Australian-born, at 94.3% of residents, with 54.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (73.0%) and English (8.3%). 73.0% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Halls Creek displays high cultural diversity, with 5.7% of residents born outside Australia and 54.6% using a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 73.4% of the population, which contrasts with the 44.6% rate recorded across Regional WA. Regarding ancestral background based on parental country of birth, the three largest groups in Halls Creek are Australian Aboriginal, making up 73.0% of the population (substantially above the regional average of 6.1%), English, representing 8.3% (notably below the regional average of 31.3%), and Australian, accounting for 6.4% (notably below the regional average of 28.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Halls Creek is 29, younger than 98% of areas nationally. 35.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Halls Creek is 29 years, which is younger than the Regional WA average of 40 years and the national average of 38 years. Relative to Regional WA, Halls Creek contains a larger percentage of residents aged 25 - 34 (18.9%) but a smaller percentage of those aged 65 - 74 (4.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents in the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 17.0% to 18.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has decreased from 18.1% to 16.6%. Demographic projections suggest the age profile will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 group growing the fastest at 38%, adding 308 residents to reach 1,113, while population decreases are expected in the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Halls Creek
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Nov 2025 9 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Nov 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 9 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,603 at the 2021 Census → 4,265 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (510011264). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.