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 4763 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 374 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4389 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4774 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, providing ample space per person. Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's 8.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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 national regional areas. The area is expected to increase by 968 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 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 with an average of one approval per year over five years (7 approvals). This is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects.

The region showed less construction activity than the rest of WA, with patterns below national averages. Recent development consisted solely of detached dwellings, aligning with rural living preferences. By 2041, Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman is projected to add 979 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility, Workers Lifestyle Village, Fabric Street Temporary Workforce Accommodation, and North Somerville District Structure Plan. The following list outlines those most relevant.

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.

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

Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% as of June 2025.

There were 2,354 residents employed at this time, which is 1.4% higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was lower at 51.5%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include mining, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Mining employs 3.6 times more residents than the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.4% of local workers, below the Rest of WA's 9.3%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.1 jobs per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, alongside a 3.1% decline in employment, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's employment 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman had a median income among taxpayers of $67,015 with an average level standing at $78,267. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the rest of WA's median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates for Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman would be approximately $76,531 (median) and $89,381 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, 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 within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. A diverse economic landscape emerges with both lower-income residents (30.8%) and affluent households (22.9%) well-represented. 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, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in the area stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 35.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $944, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $200, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households making up 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's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (38.6%).

Educational participation is high at 37.0%, including 15.7% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education. Six schools operate within Kambalda - Coolgardie - Norseman, educating approximately 678 students. The educational mix includes three primary schools and three K-12 schools.

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

The analysis of public transport in the region comprising Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman shows that there are 18 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service to these locations. Collectively, these routes offer 23 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in the area is considered limited, with residents typically located approximately 11.421 kilometers away from the nearest transport stop on average. The service frequency across all routes averages around 3 trips per day, which equates to roughly 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 across younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 59% of the total population (2800 people) have private health cover, compared to 62.3% in the rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.3% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 67.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.9% in the rest of WA. 14.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (668 people), 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 June 2016, had a cultural diversity profile roughly matching the wider region's average. 67.7% of its population were citizens, 78.0% were born in Australia, and 92.6% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 41.0%.

Buddhism showed slight overrepresentation at 1.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 1.2%. Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.1%), English (27.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.0%). Notable 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 is 38 years, which is slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but aligns with the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.8%, 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 decreased from 15.3% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kambalda-Coolgardie-Norseman's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 45%, adding 359 residents to reach 1,159. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is projected to decrease by 11 residents.