Kununurra

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 recorded a population of 7,477. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,315 in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Kununurra's growth exceeded the national average of 8.9% between the 2021 Census and June 2024, making it a growth leader in its region. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.7% of overall population gains during this period.

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, 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. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with a projected gain of 880 persons to 2041 reflecting a total increase of 10.5% over the 17 years.

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. In FY26 so far, 29 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 7.7 people move to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outstripping supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $426,000, targeting the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $16.5 million in commercial approvals, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of WA, Kununurra records around 67% of building activity per person and ranks at the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties due to its established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has consisted solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. Despite this, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (71.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 502 people, reflecting Kununurra's quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 875 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential buyer competition as the population grows.

Kununurra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include East Kimberley Regional Airport Runway Extension, Weaber Plain Light Industrial Estate, Kununurra Foreshore Plan, and Coolibah Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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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 September 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.8%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relative. There are 3,944 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 5.5% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Kununurra has particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Mining employs just 2.8% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels remained stable at 0.0%, while labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points over the same period. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kununurra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The Kununurra SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $57,545 and an average income of $67,958 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was above the national average, contrasting with 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, current estimates would be approximately $65,716 (median) and $77,608 (average) as of September 2025. Census data showed individual earnings stood out at the 80th percentile nationally ($1,016 weekly). Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 35.8% of residents (2,978 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represented 31.1%. After housing costs, residents retained 87.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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, with the remaining 28.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's figures of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Kununurra was 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.9% and rented ones at 67.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure for Kununurra was $230, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Kununurra's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $230 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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, 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%, 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 at 9.7% and certificates at 29.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 18.0% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

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 conditions across all ages.

Private health cover is high at approximately 53%, covering around 4,442 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and diabetes, affecting 6.0% and 4.9% respectively. About 79.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 79.9% in the rest of WA. Kununurra has 7.7% residents aged 65 and over (637 people). Senior 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's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average, as indicated by its population demographics: 76.8% are citizens, 84.7% were born in Australia, and 85.1% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kununurra, practiced by 44.6% of the population. The most significant deviation from regional averages is seen in the 'Other' religious category, which comprises 2.1% of Kununurra's population compared to 1.5% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is the largest group at 28.1%, lower than the regional average of 33.7%. Australian and English ancestry follow, making up 21.8% and 21.6% respectively. Notable differences exist in the representation of French (0.6% vs 0.5%), Maori (0.5% vs 0.5%), and Sri Lankan (0.2% vs 0.1%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

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

Kununurra's median age is 32 years, which is significantly younger than the Rest of WA's 40 years and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 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 present, Kununurra's median age has decreased by 1 year to 32 years from its previous figure of 33 years. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 17.4% to 19.8%, and a rise in the 35-44 cohort from 14.7% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 11.7%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Kununurra in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow 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.