Kununurra
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kununurra's population was approximately 8,320 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 843 people, a rise of 11.3%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,477. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,315 in June 2024 and the addition of 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Kununurra's growth rate exceeded the national average (8.9%) and that of non-metro areas, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.7% 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 estimations, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan median, with Kununurra expected to gain 880 persons by 2041, recording a total growth of 10.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kununurra recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kununurra has received approximately 15 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 75 homes. As of FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 7.7 people move to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $426,000, focusing on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY26, there have been $16.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of WA, Kununurra records about 67% of building activity per person and ranks among the 35th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (71.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

The estimated count of 502 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Kununurra will gain 875 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Kununurra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the East Kimberley Regional Airport Runway Extension, Weaber Plain Light Industrial Estate, Kununurra Foreshore Plan, and Coolibah Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Kununurra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kununurra has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.4%.

There are 3,857 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 5.2% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Kununurra specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 2.8% compared to the regional 11.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Kununurra's labour force decreased by 2.3%, with employment decreasing by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and a fall in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. 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 Kununurra's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Kununurra's median taxpayer income was $57,545 and average income was $67,958 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,716 and average income would be around $77,608. According to Census 2021 data, individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally were $1,016 weekly. In Kununurra, the majority of residents (35.8%, or 2,978 people) fall into the income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income.

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

In Kununurra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 71.0% of dwellings were houses while 28.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's figures of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kununurra stood at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.9% and rented ones at 67.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $2,167. Weekly rent in Kununurra was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Kununurra's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $375.

Kununurra features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.1% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

Kununurra faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 24.2% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of WA average of 17.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.7% while certificates make up 29.1%.

Educational participation is high at 35.9%, including 18.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education. Kununurra operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 1,377 students, comprising 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 4 K-12 schools.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kununurra shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 53% (~4,442 people) have private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.0%) and diabetes (4.9%). Notably, 79.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.9% in the rest of WA. As of 2018, 7.7% (~637 people) are aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Kununurra, in terms of cultural diversity, aligns with its wider region's average. Its population is composed of 76.8% citizens, 84.7% born in Australia, and 85.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kununurra, accounting for 44.6% of the population.

The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 2.1% compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Regarding ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is the top group at 28.1%, lower than the regional average of 33.7%. Australian and English groups follow with 21.8% and 21.6% respectively. Notable divergences include French (0.6% vs regional 0.5%), Maori (0.5% vs 0.5%), and Sri Lankan (0.2% vs 0.1%) groups in Kununurra.

Kununurra's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Kununurra's median age is 32 years, which is notably younger than the Rest of WA's 40 years and also considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up a strong 19.8% of Kununurra's population compared to the Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.8%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present day, Kununurra's median age has decreased by 1 year to 32 years from its previous figure of 33 years. During this period, the proportion of the population in the 25-34 age group grew from 17.4% to 19.8%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.8% to 11.7% and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Kununurra in the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow strongly by 29%, adding 469 residents to reach a total of 2,113. In contrast, both the 75-84 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.