Roebuck
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is around 2,671 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 361 people 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 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of approximately 0 persons per square kilometer. Roebuck's growth rate of 15.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average (8.6%) and that of non-metro areas, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, 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, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to increase by 346 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 11.4% 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 approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 41 homes over the past 5 financial years (between FY20 and FY25), with 5 approvals so far in FY26. On average, 4.3 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year over these past 5 financial years. This indicates that demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $526,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, there have been $6.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against the Rest of WA and national averages, Roebuck shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 28th 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 possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 655 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Roebuck adding 304 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Roebuck has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 28 infrastructure projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Blue Haze Light Industrial Precinct, Broome North - Waranyjarri Estate, Broome North Primary School, and Broome North (Waranyjarri Estate). The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Roebuck's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar employees, with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 16.2%.

In comparison to Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, Roebuck's is 13.0% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation stands at 47.0%, significantly lower than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment industries include education & training, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. Notably, the area shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share double that of the regional level.

Conversely, mining is under-represented, accounting for only 3.1% of Roebuck's workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. Analysis based on AreaSearch data from June 2025 shows a decrease in labour force by 2.3%, accompanied by a 6.8% employment decline, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 4.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project an increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Roebuck's employment mix suggests potential local growth of approximately 5.5%% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though these estimates are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized 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 on June 30, 2022, Roebuck had a median income among taxpayers of $63,024 with the average level standing at $72,612. This is above national averages of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively for Rest of WA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% between financial years 2022 and 2025, current estimates would be approximately $70,341 median and $81,042 average as of March 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Roebuck fall between the 2nd and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 27.1% (723 people) 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, but total disposable income ranks 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, consists of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA, in comparison, has 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roebuck stands at 16.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 9.5% and rented ones at 73.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average. The median weekly rent is $100, lower than Non-Metro WA's figure of $200. Nationally, Roebuck's mortgage repayments are higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially lower at $100 against 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, 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates of 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 – 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. Roebuck's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 389 students as of the latest data available. All four schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Roebuck, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 1,495 people), compared to 53.4% across the rest of WA.

Asthma and diabetes are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 4.1% and 3.9% of residents respectively. A total of 82.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.9% across the rest of WA. The area has 7.6% of residents aged 65 and over (202 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health 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 relatively homogeneous, with 85.4% being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 76.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 64.4%, compared to 48.7% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups were Australian Aboriginal (54.6%), English (13.5%), and Australian (12.6%).

These figures differed from regional averages: Australian Aboriginal (33.7%), English (19.1%), and Australian (19.7%). Spanish, New Zealand, and French ethnicities showed notable differences in representation compared to regional averages: Spanish 0.7% vs 0.3%, New Zealand 0.6% vs 0.6%, and French 0.4% vs 0.5%.

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 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Roebuck has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (0.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group increased from 12.9% to 15.2%, while the 25-34 cohort grew from 16.7% to 18.3%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group decreased from 2.3% to 0.5%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 12.1% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Roebuck. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 163 residents to reach 653. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.