Port Hedland
Statistical Area - sa2

Port Hedland has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Port Hedland's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 4,342. This figure represents an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,253. The change is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 4,352 as of June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, Port Hedland is expected to grow by 385 persons to 2041, with an increase of 9.1% over the 17 years based on the latest population numbers. This growth is just below the median for non-metropolitan areas nationally.

The level of residential development activity in Port Hedland is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Port Hedland has seen limited development activity in recent years, averaging approximately two approvals per year over the past five years. This results in a total of 14 approvals during this period. The rural nature of Port Hedland contributes to these low development levels, with housing needs often driving projects rather than broad market demand.

It is important to note that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to other regions in Western Australia and nationally, Port Hedland has shown considerably less construction activity. New constructions have been exclusively detached houses, favoring family homes suited for rural lifestyle seekers. This trend differs from current patterns, with 68.0% of dwellings being detached at the Census.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Port Hedland is 1828 people, reflecting its quiet and low activity development environment. Future projections indicate an increase of 395 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth.

Port Hedland has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Fortescue Port Hedland Operations Expansion, Athol Street Cooke Point Development, Hedland on the Horizon: West End and South Hedland Town Centre Precinct Structure Plans, and Rio Tinto Pilbara Rail Network Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The exceptional employment performance in Port Hedland places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Port Hedland has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 2792 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, and workforce participation at 74.1% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. The dominant employment sectors include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining has particularly strong representation with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.6 workers for every resident.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, combined with employment decreasing by 2.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Hedland's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

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

Port Hedland's income levels are among the highest nationally according to Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Port Hedland is $99,772, with an average income of $120,388. This compares to figures for the rest of Western Australia, which are $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated current median income is approximately $111,356, and average income is $134,365. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Port Hedland rank highly nationally, between the 99th and 100th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 39.4% of residents (1,710 people) earn $4,000 or more weekly, differing from surrounding regions where the dominant bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 with 31.1%. A significant 60.7% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Port Hedland displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As evaluated in the latest Census, dwelling structures in Port Hedland comprised 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's composition of 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Hedland stood at 9.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.5% and rented dwellings at 76.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,833, exceeding Non-Metro WA's average of $1,480. Median weekly rent in Port Hedland was recorded at $210, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $180. Nationally, Port Hedland's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure of $210 is substantially below the national average of $375.

Port Hedland has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.8% of all households, including 36.5% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 5.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households making up 27.9% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Port Hedland aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA3 area average of 17.2% and that of Rest of WA at 17.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 50.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 37.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 16.8% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education. Port Hedland's three schools have a combined enrollment of 657 students. The area has balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 970), with all three schools focusing exclusively on primary education and secondary options available nearby.

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

Port Hedland has 71 active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 73 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Port Hedland's health outcomes data shows exceptional results with very low prevalence of common health conditions in all age groups. Approximately 80% of its total population of 3,469 has private health cover, compared to Rest of WA's 70.8%, and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.4%) and mental health issues (5.9%), with 81.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 80.7%.

There are 139 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 3.2% of the population. While seniors' health outcomes in Port Hedland are strong, they require more attention than the broader population.

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

Port Hedland has a cultural diversity index above the average, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Hedland, comprising 40.1% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category is overrepresented in Port Hedland compared to the rest of WA, with 0.9% of the population versus 1.6%.

In terms of ancestry, English (26.1%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (8.6%) are the top three represented groups. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: New Zealanders make up 1.5%, Maori 1.8%, and Dutch 1.8% of Port Hedland's population, compared to regional averages of 1.3%, 2.7%, and 1.2% respectively.

Port Hedland hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Port Hedland's median age is 33 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Port Hedland has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (23.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.5%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.2%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, younger residents shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 33. Key changes include the growth of the 25 to 34 age group from 19.0% to 21.8%, and the increase of the 35 to 44 cohort from 21.4% to 23.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 14.7% to 13.6%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 8.9% to 7.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Port Hedland. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 243 people (26%) from 946 to 1,190. Conversely, both the 85+ and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.