Northam
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Northam's population, as of August 2025, is around 12,480 people. This reflects a growth of 1,122 individuals, representing a 9.9% increase since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 11,358. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,416 in June 2024 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 8.7 persons per square kilometer. Northam's growth exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and its SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, post-2032 estimates are derived using ABS' latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Projecting forward, regional areas are expected to grow above the median nationally, with Northam projected to increase by 1,985 persons to 2041, a total gain of 15.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Northam among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Northam has recorded approximately 64 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 323 homes over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 18 approvals so far in FY-26. An average of 2.9 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over the past five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $316,000—under regional levels—which offers more accessible housing choices for buyers.

There have also been $16.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Northam shows comparable development activity per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an emphasis on detached housing.

The location has approximately 185 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Northam will gain 1,921 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Northam has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment, MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project, Avon Industrial Park, and EastLink WA. These are key projects with potential relevance to the area.

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

The employment environment in Northam shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Northam has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 2.3%. As of June 2025, 5,894 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.3%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Top industries for Northam residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety.

Public administration & safety is particularly notable, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Mining, however, is under-represented at 5.4% compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force decreased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northam's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that in Northam, median income is $53,009 and average income is $63,004. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures of a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Northam would be approximately $59,163 (median) and $70,319 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Northam fall between the 21st and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.4% of locals (3,669 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, reflecting broader area patterns where 31.1% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Northam's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA has 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northam stands at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 24.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,393, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. The median weekly rent in Northam is $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $231. Nationally, Northam's mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,393 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.2% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 29.0% and group households making up 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate stands at 13.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 8.9% and certificates make up 32.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. Northam has a robust network of 10 schools serving approximately 2,212 students. The educational mix comprises 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (17.7 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 12.2), indicating Northam serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Northam has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together offer 74 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents on average being located 1818 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are ten trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Northam is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant issues affecting Northam, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health coverage stands at approximately 51%, lower than the average SA2 area's rate of around 64%. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.0% of residents) and mental health issues (9.1%), while 62.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of WA. Northam has 18.6% of its population aged 65 and over (2,322 people), lower than the 21.7% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Northam ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Northam's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 82.6% being citizens, 80.0% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Northam, comprising 49.2% of its population, slightly higher than the regional average of 49.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (7.2%).

Notably, Polish residents made up 1.2% of Northam's population, higher than the regional figure of 0.6%, while Australian Aboriginal individuals accounted for 4.7% compared to the region's 3.4%. Maori residents constituted 0.6%, similar to the regional average of 0.5%.

Northam hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Northam is 42 years, which is marginally higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years, and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Northam has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (11.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 10.8% to 12.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 13.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Northam's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 46%, reaching 2,215 people from 1,513. Meanwhile, the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.