Karratha

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Karratha's population is around 19,230 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,217 people (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,013 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,051 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Karratha's 13.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 63.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,637 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Karratha has recorded around 56 residential properties granted approval per year, with 280 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 73 so far in FY-26. At an average of 6.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $413,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $88.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Karratha has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction 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 count of 397 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Karratha is expected 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Madigan at Baynton West, Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Gap Ridge Homemaker Centre, and Karratha Senior High School Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 exceptional employment performance in Karratha places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Karratha possesses a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,679 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.0% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 2.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in mining, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Regional WA's 9.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and the labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Karratha. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Karratha's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account 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 FY-23. The Karratha SA2's median income among taxpayers is $91,208 and the average income stands at $106,017, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $99,982 (median) and $116,216 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Karratha, between the 98th and 98th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 35.3% of residents (6,788 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.1%. Economic strength emerges 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

Dwelling structure within Karratha, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.5% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Karratha was lagging that of Regional WA, at 6.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (65.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,972, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Karratha's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 48.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (38.1%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 12 active transport stops operating within Karratha comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 677 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 2.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (14,057 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.3% and 5.9% of residents, respectively, while 82.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The area has 2.4% of residents aged 65 and over (453 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.7% of its population born overseas and 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Karratha is Christianity, which makes up 36.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 2.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Karratha are Australian, comprising 27.3% of the population, English, comprising 26.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Other, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Karratha (vs 1.0% regionally), 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 of 32 years stands materially younger than Regional WA's 40 as well as considerably younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 20.3% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 2.0%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.8% to 20.3% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 19.7% to 21.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 15.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Karratha. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 883 people (23%) from 3,907 to 4,791. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts.