Roebuck

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Roebuck's population is around 2,674 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 364 people (15.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,310 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,629 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Roebuck's 15.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 53.2% 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, an above-median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 346 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Roebuck has recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval annually, with 29 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $482,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $6.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a shift in the area's residential character.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Roebuck shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places within the 27th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 655 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Roebuck adding 301 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Roebuck has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Blue Haze Light Industrial Precinct, Broome North - Waranyjarri Estate, Broome North Primary School, and Sanctuary Road Caravan Park, Key Worker And Over 55s Village, 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 conditions in Roebuck face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Roebuck possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 16.9%. As of December 2025854 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 13.4% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (50.7% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise education & training, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, mining is under-represented, with only 3.1% of Roebuck's workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 2.5% alongside a 0.9% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Roebuck. 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 Roebuck's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Roebuck SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,016 with the average level standing at $75,520. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,271 (median) and $82,785 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Roebuck all fall between the 2nd and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 27.1% of locals (724 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike trends in the region where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 89.4% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Roebuck, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.7% houses and 14.3% 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 Roebuck was lagging that of Regional WA, at 16.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (9.5%) or rented (73.7%). 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 $100, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Roebuck's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.0% of all households, comprising 29.8% couples with children, 19.4% couples without children, and 20.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Roebuck 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 (15.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (24.1%).

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 are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Roebuck's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,513 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and diabetes, impacting 4.1 and 3.9% of residents, respectively, while 82.5% 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 7.5% of residents aged 65 and over (200 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Roebuck is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.4% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 76.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Roebuck is Christianity, which makes up 64.4% of the population, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Roebuck are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 54.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%, English, comprising 13.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Australian, comprising 12.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.7% in Roebuck (vs 0.2% regionally), New Zealand at 0.6% (vs 0.9%), and French at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).

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

With a median age of 30, Roebuck is materially younger than the Regional WA figure of 40 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional WA, Roebuck has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (18.7%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (0.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.9% to 16.1% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.7%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has declined from 2.3% to 0.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Roebuck. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 31%, adding 153 residents to reach 653. On the other hand, both the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.