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, as of February 2026, is approximately 2,674 people. This figure reflects a growth of 364 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,310 people. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,629 in June 2024 and the addition of 15 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0 persons per square kilometer. Roebuck's growth rate of 15.8% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, indicating it as a region with significant growth. Natural growth contributed around 53.2% to overall population gains in 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 from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). By 2041, the area is projected to gain an additional 346 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 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 FY21 to FY25, 29 homes were approved, with a further nine approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.3 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This supply lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers targeted the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $482,000. In FY26, $6.3 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of WA, Roebuck showed approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and placed among the 27th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties.

Recent development consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 655 people per dwelling approval reflected its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections showed Roebuck adding 301 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development was keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition was expected as the population expanded.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones 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.

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's workforce comprises both white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 16.7%. The town has 845 residents employed, which is 13.5% higher than Rest of WA's unemployment rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation in Roebuck lags behind Rest of WA, with 50.1% compared to 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 7.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include education & training, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. Roebuck specializes in education & training, with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, mining is under-represented, at 3.1% compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Roebuck's labour force increased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 3.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does 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 for financial year ended June 2023, Roebuck SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,016. The average income stood at $75,520, which is above national averages of $59,973 and $74,392 for Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,271 (median) and $82,785 (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 range, unlike regional trends where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Roebuck's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roebuck stood at 16.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (9.5%) or rented (73.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Non-Metro WA's average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Roebuck was recorded at $100, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265 and the national average 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 making up 2.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity indicates both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

This includes advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (24.1%). Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (17.7%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (1.2%).

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 closely align with national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's assessment conducted in [month year].

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be at a fairly standard level across both young and old age cohorts, with common health conditions being asthma and diabetes affecting 4.1% and 3.9% of residents respectively. Approximately 57% (~1,513 people) have private health cover, which is very high compared to the national average. Around 82.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of WA's 69.3%. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.5% (200 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of WA's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.4% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 76.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Roebuck, comprising 64.4% of people, compared to 44.6% across Rest of WA. The top three ancestry groups in Roebuck are Australian Aboriginal (54.6%), English (13.5%), and Australian (12.6%).

These figures differ significantly from the regional averages: Australian Aboriginal at 6.1%, English at 31.3%, and Australian at 28.4%. Notably, Spanish (0.7% vs 0.2%) and New Zealand (0.6% vs 0.9%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Roebuck compared to the regional averages, while French remains similar (0.4%).

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

Roebuck has a median age of 30, which is lower than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Rest of WA, Roebuck has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (0.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 12.9% to 16.1%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.7%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group has declined from 2.3% to 0.4%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Roebuck. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 153 residents to reach a total of 653. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.