Roebourne

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

Roebourne's population is approximately 5,667 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 480 people, or a 9.3% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,187. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,665 in June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Roebourne's growth rate of 9.3% since the census is close to the national average of 9.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below Australia's regional median is expected. By 2041, Roebourne's population is projected to increase by 703 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.4% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 approximately 40 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 201 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year arrive for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes is $220,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, $56.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of WA, Roebourne has 110.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. New developments consist 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.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 3144 people, reflecting Roebourne's quiet and low-activity development environment. Future projections estimate an addition of 701 residents by 2041, with current construction levels suggesting that 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones include Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Yuri Hydrogen Project, Karratha Hotel Development, and Pelago East Apartments. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Roebourne has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Roebourne has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 3.3% as of September 2025, which is in line with the Rest of WA's rate.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. There are 3,036 residents employed currently, with workforce participation at 67%, similar to the Rest of WA. According to Census responses, only 2.4% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries in Roebourne are mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.9 times higher than the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident in Roebourne, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.5% while employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Roebourne's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Roebourne SA2 was $89,365 and the average was $100,097 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, 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. The $4000+ bracket dominates with 32.3% of residents (1,830 people), unlike trends in the region where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A substantial proportion of high earners (49.7% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Roebourne. 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

Roebourne's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roebourne stood at 10.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.1% and rented ones at 69.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Roebourne was recorded as $150, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Roebourne's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $150 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.2% of all households, consisting of 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 is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (40.4%). Educational participation is high, with 42.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 18.6% in primary, 12.4% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

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

Roebourne has ten active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes, offering a total of 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 1392 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 76% of residents. Bus use stands at 12%, and walking at 6%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional norm. Only 2.4% of residents work from home (as recorded in the 2021 Census). Service frequency across all routes averages three trips per day, equating to about two weekly trips per 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

Roebourne shows below-average health indicators, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (4046 people), compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.2% and 5.1% of residents respectively. 78.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 5.4% of residents aged 65 and over (306 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of 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's cultural diversity was above average, with 16.7% of its population born overseas and 17.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Roebourne, comprising 33.7% of people. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 1.9% of the population compared to 0.7% across Rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Roebourne were Australian (28.1%), English (24.2%) and Australian Aboriginal (15.0%). The representation of English ancestry was notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry was substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%. There were also notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori at 1.8% (vs regional average of 1.0%), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs regional average of 0.9%) and South African at 0.7% (vs regional average of 0.6%).

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

Roebourne has a median age of 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and below Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 20.8% of Roebourne's population, higher than the Rest of WA and significantly above the national average of 14.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up only 4.2% of Roebourne's population. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 19.3% to 20.8%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 12.6% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 15.2% to 14.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Roebourne's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,323 people from the current 1,041. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.