Karratha

An assessment of population growth drivers in Karratha reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Karratha's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 19,230. This figure represents a 13.0% increase from the 2021 Census count of 17,013 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; the population was 19,051 in June 2024 with an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer. Karratha's growth exceeded both national (9.9%) and Rest of WA averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.7% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region growth rates by age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 1,637 persons, reflecting a 7.6% total increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Karratha among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Karratha has recorded approximately 56 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 280 homes were approved, with an additional 67 approved so far in FY26. On average, for every home built between FY21 and FY25, there have been 6.3 new residents per year, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $413,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $88.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of WA, Karratha has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, these levels are lower than national averages, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has solely comprised detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (80.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 397 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, Karratha is projected to grow by 1,458 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Karratha has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Madigan at Baynton West, Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Gap Ridge Homemaker Centre, and Karratha Senior High School Upgrade. The following list details 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.

The labour market strength in Karratha positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Karratha has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%.

There were 11,549 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Karratha was 81.9%, significantly higher than Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 2.9% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in mining, construction, and education & training sectors.

Mining employs 1.8 times the regional average while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2%, below Rest of WA's 9.3%. Between September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% and labour force increased by 0.9%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karratha's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Karratha SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Karratha SA2 is $91,208 and the average income stands at $106,017, which compares to figures for Rest of WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $99,982 (median) and $116,216 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Karratha, between the 98th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 35.3% of residents (6,788 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.1%. Economic strength is evident through 54.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Karratha's dwelling structure in the latest Census comprised 79.5% houses and 20.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karratha was at 6.8%, with mortgages at 27.7% and rentals at 65.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,972, higher than Non-Metro WA's $1,560. Median weekly rent was $320 in Karratha, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Karratha's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,972 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, including 42.5% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Karratha shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Karratha's residents aged 15+ have a university degree attainment rate of 22.4%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (15.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 48.9% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 38.1%. Educational participation is high, with 39.2% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (17.4%), secondary (10.5%), and tertiary (2.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 39.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.4% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Karratha has 12 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 677 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outwards in this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 90%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 2.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Karratha's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Karratha. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (14,057 people), compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.3 and 5.9% respectively. 82.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Karratha has 2.4% of residents aged 65 and over (453 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Karratha was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Karratha, as per data from the 2016 Census, exhibited cultural diversity with 23.7% of its population born overseas and 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Karratha, comprising 36.5%. Notably, Buddhism had a higher representation in Karratha at 2.1%, compared to the Rest of WA's 1.0%.

Regarding ancestry, Australian-born parents were the highest group at 27.3%, followed by English at 26.0% (lower than the regional average of 31.3%), and Other at 8.5%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maori at 1.7% (vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand at 1.3% (vs 0.9%), and Australian Aboriginal at 6.8% (vs 6.1%).

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

Karratha's median age is 32 years, which is significantly younger than Rest of WA's 40 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.3% of Karratha's population, compared to Rest of WA's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort constitutes only 2.0%. This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between January 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 18.8% to 20.3%, while the 35-44 cohort has risen from 19.7% to 21.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 17.6% to 15.5%. By 2041, Karratha's population is projected to experience significant demographic shifts. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase substantially, with an additional 883 people (a 23% rise) bringing the total to 4,791 from the current 3,907. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 75-84 and 65-74 age cohorts.