Karratha
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 19,137 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 2,124 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,013 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,051 in June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 142 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person with potential for further development. Karratha's growth rate of 12.5% between the 2021 Census and August 2025 exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and non-metro area averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Population projections indicate a median increase for national non-metropolitan areas, with Karratha expected to gain 1,637 persons by 2041, representing an 8.1% total increase over the 17-year period.

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

Karratha averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between Financial Year 2019-20 (FY-20) and Financial Year 2024-25 (FY-25), Karratha had 128 approvals, with 29 so far in FY-26. Each home built attracted an average of 6.3 new residents over the past five financial years.

This demand outstrips supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are constructed at an average value of $752,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $88.9 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of WA, Karratha maintains similar development levels per capita, balancing its market consistently with the broader area.

However, this is below national averages, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving Karratha's low-density nature and appealing to space-seeking buyers. This trend deviates from Census data, which shows 80.0% of dwellings are not detached. The area has an estimated 397 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections indicate Karratha will add 1,551 residents by 2041, maintaining a reasonable construction pace but potentially increasing buyer competition as population grows.

Karratha has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely impacting the area, with notable ones being 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.

Karratha ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Karratha has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025.

There were 11,097 residents in work during this period, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Karratha was 72.9%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include mining, construction, and education & training. Mining shows particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5%, while employment declined by 2.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Karratha. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Karratha's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

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

In financial year 2022, Karratha had a median income among taxpayers of $86,822. The average income stood at $102,257. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163 in Rest of WA. By March 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $96,902 and $114,129 respectively, accounting for an 11.61% growth since financial year 2022 as per the Wage Price Index. The 2021 Census data ranks Karratha's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 98th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 35.3% of locals (6,755 people) fall into the $4000+ category, unlike the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.1%. Economic strength is evident with 54.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Karratha is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Karratha's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.5% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karratha was at 6.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 65.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,972, below Non-Metro WA's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Karratha was $320, compared to Non-Metro WA's $220. Nationally, Karratha's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,972 than the Australian 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which matches the average in the Rest of WA.

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

Educational qualifications in Karratha trail regional benchmarks, with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (38.1%).

Educational participation is 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. As of 2021, a robust network of 8 schools operates within Karratha, educating approximately 4,370 students. Education provision is balanced with 6 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis shows 12 active stops operating in Karratha, with a mix of buses serving these locations. Two routes service these stops, offering a total of 22 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited transport access, usually located 677 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Karratha's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Karratha shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 73% of its total population of 13,893 have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.3 and 5.9% of residents respectively. A high proportion of residents, 82.1%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of WA's 81.3%. As of a recent study (date not specified), Karratha has 474 residents aged 65 and over, making up 2.5% of its total population. Health outcomes among seniors in Karratha are notably strong, closely mirroring those of the general population.

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

Karratha, according to the census conducted on 9 August 2016, had a cultural diversity index above average. The overseas-born population comprised 23.7%, while those speaking a language other than English at home constituted 14.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 36.5% of Karratha's population affiliating to it.

Notably, Buddhism, which accounted for 2.1% of the population, was overrepresented compared to the rest of Western Australia (1.8%). Regarding ancestry, Australians made up 27.3%, English 26.0%, and Other groups 8.5%. Significant variations existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Maori were notably higher at 1.7% in Karratha compared to the regional average of 2.0%, New Zealanders were equally represented at 1.3%, while Australian Aboriginals showed a lower percentage at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 8.5%.

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

Karratha's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Rest of WA's 40 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 20.0% of Karratha's population, compared to Rest of WA's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 2.1%. This is higher than the national 14.5% for the 25-34 age group. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 18.8% to 20.0%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 17.6% to 16.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Karratha's 25-34 age group will increase by 955 people (25%), from 3,835 to 4,791. Conversely, the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to decline in population.