Roebourne

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Roebourne's population is around 5,667 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 480 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,187 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,665 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Roebourne's 9.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 58.6% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 703 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Roebourne, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Roebourne has averaged around 40 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 201 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 0.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $220,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $56.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Roebourne shows 110.0% higher building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, 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 (77.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 3144 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Roebourne adding 701 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Roebourne has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Yuri Hydrogen Project, Karratha Hotel Development, and Pelago East Apartments, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Roebourne has been broadly consistent with national averages

Roebourne features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,075 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (69.5% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 2.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 3.9 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.5% of the Roebourne workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional WA. With 1.2 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment grew by 1.0%, the labour force expanded by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Roebourne. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Roebourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Roebourne SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Roebourne SA2's median income among taxpayers is $89,365 and the average income stands at $100,097, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $97,962 (median) and $109,726 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Roebourne, between the 96th and 96th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $4000+ earnings band captures 32.3% of the community (1,830 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.1%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 49.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 93.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Roebourne, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.0% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Roebourne was lagging that of Regional WA, at 10.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.1%) or rented (69.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Roebourne's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Roebourne features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.2% of all households, comprising 42.3% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (40.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 42.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.6% in primary education, 12.4% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Roebourne, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1392 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 12% by bus and 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 2.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Roebourne are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Roebourne, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (4,046 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.2% and 5.1% of residents, respectively, while 78.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 5.4% of residents aged 65 and over (306 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Roebourne was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 16.7% of its population born overseas and 17.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Roebourne is Christianity, which makes up 33.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.9% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Roebourne are Australian, comprising 28.1% of the population, English, comprising 24.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 15.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Roebourne (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and South Australian at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

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

With a median age of 34, Roebourne is materially younger than the Regional WA figure of 40 as well as well below Australia's 38 years. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 20.8% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 4.2%. This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 19.3% to 20.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 12.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.2% to 14.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Roebourne's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 27% (281 people), reaching 1,323 from 1,041. Meanwhile, both 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.