South Hedland
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in South Hedland are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

South Hedland's population is approximately 12,730 as of August 2025. This figure represents a 15.2% increase from the 2021 Census count of 11,046 people. The growth was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 12,655 in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 571 persons per square kilometer. South Hedland's growth rate surpassed the national average of 8.6% and was higher than the SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 56.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration contributing positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for areas not covered or post-2032 estimates. By 2041, South Hedland's population is projected to increase by approximately 1,526 persons, representing an 11.4% total increase over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within South Hedland when compared nationally

South Hedland has recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, shows 32 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, with one already approved in FY-26. On average, 14.2 new residents have been added per year for every home built during these five years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $599,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $39.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating strong commercial development momentum compared to the Rest of WA. South Hedland has 106.0% more construction activity per person than the rest of WA, offering greater choice for buyers but still lower than national levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in South Hedland has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This preference for detached housing (72.0% at Census) demonstrates robust demand for family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 392 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, South Hedland is projected to grow by 1,451 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

South Hedland has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub, South Hedland Tourist Development and Workforce Accommodation Village, South Hedland Town Centre Revitalisation, and South Hedland Service Worker Housing. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

The employment landscape in South Hedland shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

South Hedland has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of June 2025. The resident employment stands at 6,850, which is 0.9% higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%.

Workforce participation in South Hedland is 66.7%, surpassing the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Dominant sectors include mining (2.3 times the regional level), transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, is under-represented at 0.1% compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, South Hedland's labour force decreased by 2.5%, with employment declining by 2.9%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Conversely, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates per sector. Applying these projections to South Hedland's mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows South Hedland's median income among taxpayers is $83,222 and the average is $95,715. This places South Hedland in the top percentile nationally when compared to other areas. The median income of Rest of WA is $57,323 with an average of $71,163 for the same period. Using Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $92,884 (median) and $106,828 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in South Hedland rank between the 92nd and 97th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 36.3% of residents, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.1%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence in South Hedland with 43.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

South Hedland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

South Hedland's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Hedland stood at 7.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.4% and rented ones at 72.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,480. The median weekly rent in South Hedland was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $180. Nationally, South Hedland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,387 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Hedland has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 71.4% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Rest of WA average.

South Hedland 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 at 14.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 38.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.9% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. South Hedland's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,388 students. Education provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (18.8 places per 100 residents vs 15.4 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 80 active stops operating in South Hedland, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 183 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

South Hedland's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in South Hedland. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (8,821 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.2% and 5.2% of residents respectively. A total of 79.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 80.7% in the Rest of WA. In South Hedland, 3.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (483 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

South Hedland was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Hedland, as per data from June 2021, has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 24.8% of its population born overseas and 19.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in South Hedland, accounting for 39.5% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, comprising 4.7% versus 2.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (22.5%), English (21.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.6%). Notably, Maori (2.8% vs 2.7%), Filipino (3.2% vs 2.7%), and New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.3%) groups are overrepresented in South Hedland compared to regional averages.

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

South Hedland's median age of 32 years is younger than Rest of WA's 40 years and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation at 20.6% in South Hedland, compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 3.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 18.5% of South Hedland's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in South Hedland. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 679 people (26%), from 2,627 to 3,307. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 5-14 age cohorts.