Roebourne
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Roebourne's population is approximately 5,663 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 476 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,187. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,665 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Roebourne's growth rate of 9.2% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.6% 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 to estimate growth post-2032, 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, a population increase just below Australia's regional median is expected. The area is projected to increase by 703 persons to reach approximately 6,866 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 12.4% over the 17-year period.

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 averaged approximately 40 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 201 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home in Roebourne was around 0.6 per year between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that the supply of new homes is meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average value of new homes being built is $220,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In the current financial year, $56.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of WA, Roebourne shows 110.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The 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 705 residents by 2041. 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 14 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Perdaman Urea Project - Project Destiny, Yuri Hydrogen Project, Karratha Hotel Development, and Pelago East Apartments. The following list details those projects deemed 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 3.0%, 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. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.0%. There are 2,960 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.1% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's at 59.4%. Key employment industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Mining stands out with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to 9.3% regionally. There are 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating Roebourne functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, while employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and a fall in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points during the same period. 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, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Roebourne's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 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

Roebourne has a median taxpayer income of $83,353 and an average income of $95,346 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This places Roebourne among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $95,189 (median) and $108,885 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Roebourne, between the 97th and 97th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 32.3% of residents (1,829 people) fall within the $4000+ bracket, unlike trends in the region where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners (49.7% above $3,000/week) throughout Roebourne. After housing costs, residents retain 93.2% of their 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Roebourne's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roebourne stood at 10.8%, with mortgaged properties at 20.1% and rented ones at 69.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $2,000 but lower than the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Roebourne was $150, substantially below both Non-Metro WA's $220 and the national average 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%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 40.4%.

Educational participation is 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. Roebourne's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 659 students. The area has varied educational conditions across its schools, which include 2 primary and 2 K-12 institutions. School places per 100 residents (11.6) are below the regional average (19.4), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along two individual routes, offering a total of 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited in Roebourne, with residents typically situated 1392 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

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

Roebourne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Roebourne's health outcomes show excellent results with low prevalence rates for common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 69% (3,924 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of WA's 72.0%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.2% and 5.1% respectively. Around 78.8% report being free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 81.3%. Roebourne has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 5.1% (291 people), compared to Rest of WA's 3.1%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they require more attention than the broader population.

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

Roebourne had a higher than average cultural diversity, 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, accounting for 33.7% of people. Notably, the category 'Other' comprised 1.9% of Roebourne's population, compared to 1.1% across the rest of Western Australia.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 28.1%, English 24.2%, and Australian Aboriginal 15.0% of Roebourne's population, significantly higher than the regional averages of 37.9%, 26.0%, and 8.5% respectively. Maori were notably overrepresented in Roebourne at 1.8% compared to 2.0% regionally, New Zealanders at 1.1% versus 1.3%, and South Africans at 0.7% matching the regional figure of 0.7%.

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

Roebourne's median age is 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and below Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group makes up 21.0% of Roebourne's population, compared to 17.6% in the Rest of WA and 14.2% nationally. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 4.0%. Between 2021 and 2023, the 35-44 age group grew from 19.3% to 21.0%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.0% to 13.3% and the 45-54 group 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 projected to grow by 31%, reaching 1,323 people from 1,013. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.