Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman
Statistical Area - sa2

Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's population is around 4,763 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 374 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,389 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,774 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0 persons per square kilometer. Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 60.4% of overall population gains during 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, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 968 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of approximately 20.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman experienced limited development activity from 2016 to 2020 with an average of one approval per year, totaling seven over five years. This low level is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures and relativities may vary significantly due to the low number of approvals.

Compared to Rest of WA, Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman had significantly less construction activity during this period, and its development pattern was below national averages. All recent developments comprised detached dwellings, reflecting rural preferences for space and privacy. By 2041, projections indicate an addition of 979 residents in the region.

If current development rates persist, housing supply might not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects include Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility, Workers Lifestyle Village, Yilkari Industrial Park, and Fabric Street Temporary Workforce Accommodation, with the following list providing more detail on those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, unemployment rate is 4.6%.

As of June 2025, there are 2354 employed residents, the unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than Rest of WA's 3.2%, participation rate is 51.5%, lower than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries are mining, retail trade, public administration & safety. Mining employs 3.6 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.4% of local workers compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. The area hosts more jobs than residents with a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.1.

From June 2024 to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, employment declined by 3.1%, unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.1% over five years and 10.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation shows that in Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman, the median income among taxpayers was $67,015 and the average was $78,267 for financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures are high compared to $57,323 and $71,163 across Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $74,795 (median) and $87,354 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($893 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 29.5% of residents (1,405 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 31.1% occupy this range. Both lower-income residents (30.8%) and affluent households (22.9%) are well-represented, indicating a diverse economic landscape. After housing costs, residents retain 91.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

In Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman, as per the latest Census, 91.2% of dwellings were houses, with 8.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in the area was 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 35.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $944, significantly lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,863 and the national figure of $375. Weekly rent in the area was $200, substantially below Non-Metro WA's $280 and the national average of $375.

Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.2% of all households, including 22.6% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman 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 at 11.3%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (38.6%).

Educational participation is notably high at 37.0%, including 15.7% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of six schools operates within the region, educating approximately 678 students. These include three primary schools and three K-12 schools, demonstrating varied educational conditions across the area.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman region has 18 operational public transport stops. All are bus stops. Four routes serve these stops, offering a total of 23 weekly passenger trips.

Transport access is limited, with residents usually 11421 meters from the nearest stop. Average service frequency is 3 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2800 people), compared to 62.3% across the rest of WA.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.3% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.9% across the rest of WA. The area has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (668 people), which is higher than the 9.2% in the rest of WA. This is broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity profile roughly aligned with the wider region's average. Of its population, 67.7% were citizens, 78.0% were born in Australia, and 92.6% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion (41.0%), but Buddhism showed slight overrepresentation (1.4%, compared to 1.2% regionally).

Ancestry-wise, Australian (29.1%) and English (27.4%) were top, followed by Australian Aboriginal (8.0%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Maori (4.4% vs regional 3.3%), New Zealand (1.6% vs 1.5%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%).

Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's median age in 2021 is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but in line with the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented at 16.8% locally compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.1% to 16.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.7%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 45%, adding 359 residents to reach a total of 1,159. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is expected to decrease by 11 residents.