Roebuck

An assessment of population growth drivers in Roebuck reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Roebuck's population was approximately 2,674 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 364 people from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,310. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: Roebuck had an estimated resident population of 2,629 in June 2024 and gained 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Roebuck's growth rate of 15.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.9%) and non-metro averages, indicating strong growth in the region. Natural growth contributed about 53.2% 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 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, Australian non-metropolitan areas are expected to have above median population growth. By 2041, Roebuck is projected to increase by 346 persons from the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 11.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Roebuck according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Roebuck has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 29 homes were approved, with a further nine approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, 4.3 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $482,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $6.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Roebuck shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 27th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing properties. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count is 655 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Roebuck will add 301 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Roebuck has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Blue Haze Light Industrial Precinct, Broome North - Waranyjarri Estate, Broome North Primary School, Sanctuary Road Caravan Park, and Key Worker And Over 55S Village. The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Roebuck face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Roebuck has a diverse workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 16.7% as of September 2025.

There were 845 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 13.5 percentage points higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Roebuck is lower at 47.0%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. The leading employment industries among Roebuck residents are education & training, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. The area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share twice that of the regional level.

Conversely, mining is under-represented, with only 3.1% of Roebuck's workforce compared to 11.7% in Rest of WA. Analysis of SALM and ABS data from September 2024 to September 2025 shows a labour force increase of 0.8% in Roebuck, accompanied by a 3.4% employment decline, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a slight drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate potential future demand within Roebuck. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Roebuck's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, Roebuck SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,024 with the average level standing at $72,612. This was well above national averages of $57,323 and $71,163 for Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,973 (median) and $82,923 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Roebuck fall between the 2nd and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 27.1% of locals (724 people) predominantly earn within the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike regional trends where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 89.4% of income retained, resulting in total disposable income ranking at just the 15th percentile nationally.

Roebuck is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Roebuck's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roebuck was 16.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 9.5% and rented ones at 73.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, matching Non-Metro WA's average. The median weekly rent figure was $100, compared to Non-Metro WA's $200. Nationally, Roebuck's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $100 compared to the national figure of $375.

Roebuck has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 19.4% couples without children, and 20.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.8.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates than the Australian average, with 15.9% compared to 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 24.1%. Educational participation is high, with 32.0% currently enrolled in formal education, including 17.7% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 1.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.7% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Roebuck shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~1,497 people), compared to Rest of WA's 53.4%.

Asthma and diabetes are most common, affecting 4.1% and 3.9%, respectively. 82.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 79.9%. Seniors aged 65+ comprise 7.6% (203 people), with health outcomes broadly matching the general population profile.

Roebuck ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Roebuck's population was found to be less diverse culturally, with 85.4% being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 76.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Roebuck, comprising 64.4%, compared to the regional average of 48.7%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian Aboriginal (54.6%), English (13.5%), and Australian (12.6%).

Notably, Spanish (0.7%) was overrepresented compared to the region's 0.3%, while New Zealand (0.6%) and French (0.4%) had similar or slightly lower representation than the regional averages of 0.6% and 0.5% respectively.

Roebuck hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Roebuck's median age is 30, which is younger than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Roebuck has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (0.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 12.9% to 15.2%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.3%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group declined from 2.3% to 0.5% and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Roebuck. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 162 residents to reach a total of 653. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.