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Sales Activity
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Population
Port Hedland has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Port Hedland's population is around 4,402 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,253. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,352 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 62.6% 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 areas not covered, 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The area is expected to grow by 385 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, with an increase of 7.6% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 over the past five years, with an average of two approvals per year totalling 14. This low level reflects the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.
Port Hedland shows less construction activity than the rest of WA and has a development pattern below national averages. All new construction in the area has been detached houses, with a focus on family homes suited to those seeking rural lifestyle and space. This preference for detached housing is higher than current patterns suggest (68.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1828 people, reflecting the quiet, low activity development environment in Port Hedland.
Future projections show the area adding 335 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Port Hedland has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally
AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Fortescue Port Hedland Operations Decarbonisation and Modernisation, Athol Street Cooke Point Development, Hedland on the Horizon: West End and South Hedland Town Centre Precinct Structure Plans, Rio Tinto Pilbara Rail Network Expansion.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Rio Tinto Pilbara Rail Network Expansion
World's first automated heavy-haul rail network (AutoHaul) spanning nearly 2,000km connecting 17 mines across the Pilbara to port facilities at Port Hedland. Revolutionary automated technology system enabling autonomous train operations and increased efficiency.
Fortescue Port Hedland Operations Decarbonisation and Modernisation
Fortescue's integrated operations in the Pilbara are connected to the five-berth Herb Elliott Port and Judith Street Harbour towage infrastructure in Port Hedland by 760km of rail. The current work at Port Hedland and across the rail network is focused on **decarbonisation and asset maintenance** to support the company's Real Zero by 2030 target. Projects include the trial of **battery-electric locomotives and light vehicles** at Port Hedland, development of **green shipping** (like The Green Pioneer), and **maintenance and protection of existing port infrastructure** to ensure continued high-tonnage output and move towards 210Mt capacity. The long-standing operations are capable of exporting over 190 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of iron ore.
Port Hedland Inner Harbour Infrastructure Project
BHP Billiton Iron Ore infrastructure project involving installation of 160km of Fibre Optic Cable for communications and control systems. Critical infrastructure upgrade supporting port operations and maritime safety systems in the inner harbour area.
Athol Street Cooke Point Development
48.89 hectare master-planned residential and commercial development in East Port Hedland, approved by the WAPC in January 2021. The development is intended to be delivered in at least two stages, guided by the Athol Street Structure Plan, and features residential lots (low to high density), commercial/mixed-use areas, public open space, and coastal protection works. The plan was prepared in collaboration with DevelopmentWA and the Town of Port Hedland to address a local housing shortage.
Lumsden Point General Cargo Facility and Logistics Hub
Pilbara Ports Authority is developing a new multi-user general cargo facility and logistics hub at Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland. The project includes dredging of a new access channel and turning basin, construction of two land-backed multi-user wharves, a central access road and services corridor connecting to Great Northern Highway, and land for a common user logistics hub. The facility is designed to enable export of critical minerals such as lithium and copper concentrates, support the import of large renewable energy components including wind turbine blades, and expand direct shipping services to the Pilbara. Seawalls, causeway formation and major dredging contracts are underway, with the first wharf targeted for completion in mid 2026 and the second in late 2026, followed by staged commencement of operations.
Port Hedland Spoilbank Marina
The Port Hedland Spoilbank Marina (also known as Pirra Pirra Marina in Kariyarra language) officially opened in November 2024, creating a transformational waterfront amenity for the community and visitors. The marina features a four-lane recreational boat ramp, 22 cyclone-rated floating boat pens, state-of-the-art fish cleaning facilities, a two-storey fishing jetty, and recreation and event space with public amenities. The project includes an art walk highlighting Aboriginal culture with artworks designed by Kariyarra artists, and provides safer access to deep water for recreational boaters with direct ocean access separate from busy shipping lanes.
Hedland Village Shopping Centre
A new neighbourhood shopping village on a 1.7 hectare site, anchored by a 1500 sqm The Good Grocer IGA supermarket with about 3500 sqm of additional lettable area. The centre will include a fuel and convenience store, pharmacy, a 130 place childcare centre, fast food outlets such as Hungry Jacks and Subway, a tavern and restaurant, and six additional retail shops. It will provide covered walkways and around 223 parking spaces on Hamilton Road, opposite Wanangkura Stadium and next to Hedland Senior High School, and is planned to open in 2026.
Hedland on the Horizon: West End and South Hedland Town Centre Precinct Structure Plans
This is a planning initiative by the Town of Port Hedland to develop separate Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) for the West End and South Hedland Town Centre to guide their development over the next 10 years. The PSPs will establish a vision for land use, building form, density, infrastructure, movement networks, and public spaces to create more vibrant, connected, and liveable places, supporting economic growth and community identity. A key focus for the West End, which is restricted by the Improvement Scheme No. 1, is on adapting existing buildings and developing the Marina Precinct. South Hedland has opportunities for regional services, medium to high-density housing, and commercial uses. Community consultation has been ongoing, and the project is currently in the stage of developing design scenarios, with a target for plans to be endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) in late 2026.
Employment
The exceptional employment performance in Port Hedland places it among Australia's strongest labour markets
Port Hedland has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 0.8% as of June 2025.
There were 2,792 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was high at 74.1%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. The dominant employment sectors were mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.
The area functioned as an employment hub with 1.6 workers per resident as at the Census. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, employment decreased by 2.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with the Rest of WA where employment grew by 1.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Hedland's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis
Port Hedland's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Port Hedland's median income among taxpayers is $99,772 and average income stands at $120,388. These figures compare to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $113,940 (median) and $137,483 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Port Hedland, between the 99th and 100th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 39.4% of residents (1,734 people) are in the $4000+ bracket, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.1%. A significant 60.7% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Port Hedland displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Port Hedland, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's figures of 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Hedland stood at 9.1%, with mortgaged properties at 14.5% and rented ones at 76.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,833, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,480. The median weekly rent in Port Hedland was $210, lower than Non-Metro WA's $180 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were slightly lower at $1,863.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Port Hedland has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 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 31.2%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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%, exceeding the SA3 average of 17.2% and Rest of WA's 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+, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (37.6%).
Current educational participation is high at 35.2%, with 16.8% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education. Port Hedland's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 657 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 970). All 3 schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by a single route that provides a total of 73 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 199 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.
On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Port Hedland's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Port Hedland shows excellent health outcomes with a low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 80% of its total population of 3,517 has private health cover, compared to 70.8% in the rest of WA and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are asthma (6.4%) and mental health issues (5.9%), with 81.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 80.7% in the rest of WA.
Only 3.2%, or 141 people, are aged 65 and over. However, seniors require more attention due to their strong health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 average, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 40.1%. The 'Other' category shows an overrepresentation in Port Hedland at 0.9%, compared to 1.6% across Rest of WA.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.1%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.5%, Maori at 1.8%, and Dutch at 1.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Port Hedland hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide
Port Hedland's median age at 33 years is significantly 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 proportion 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 year to 33 years. Key changes include the growth of the 25 to 34 age group from 19% 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 Port Hedland in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to increase by 230 people (24%) from 959 to 1,190. Conversely, both the 85+ and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.