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 was around 12,730 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,684 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,046. The change was inferred from ABS estimates of 12,655 in June 2024 and 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 571 persons per square kilometer. South Hedland's growth of 15.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.6%. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.8% to overall population gains recently, with all migration drivers also positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch used ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, South Hedland's population is projected to increase by 1,526 persons, an increase of 11.4% over the 17 years.

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

South Hedland has granted approximately 26 residential properties approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 131 homes were approved, with an additional one approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over the past five financial years, there have been around 14.2 new residents.

This has led to demand outpacing supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $599,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year, South Hedland has recorded $39.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of WA, South Hedland has 84.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, this level is lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All recent development in South Hedland has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (72.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 392 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, South Hedland is projected to grow by 1,451 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with this projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub, South Hedland Tourist Development and Workforce Accommodation Village, South Hedland Town Centre Revitalisation, and South Hedland Service Worker Housing. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

South Hedland's workforce as of June 2025 comprises 6850 residents with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This is 0.9% higher than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, and its workforce participation stands at 66.7%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%.

The dominant employment sectors are mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.1% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. The labour force decreased by 2.5% in South Hedland during the year to June 2025, alongside a 2.9% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.1%, the labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth rates varying between industry sectors, suggesting local growth in South Hedland could be 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, with an average of $95,715. This places it in the top percentile nationally. The median and average incomes in Rest of WA are $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for South Hedland's median income would be approximately $95,040 and average $109,307 as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in South Hedland rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 97th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 36.3% of residents (4,620 people), similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 31.1%. A substantial presence of higher earners is evident, with 43.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 71.8% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Hedland was 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. 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of WA.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.7% and certificates for 38.9%. Educational participation is high at 37.9%, including 16.9% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

South Hedland's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,388 students. The area has four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 18.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.4, indicating that South Hedland serves as an educational hub 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 in South Hedland, with a mix of buses operating. Three routes service these stops, offering 183 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 186 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips daily across all routes, equating to about two weekly trips per stop.

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

South Hedland shows excellent health outcomes with common conditions prevalent in both younger and older age groups. Approximately 69% of South Hedland's total population of 8,821 have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 5.2% of residents respectively. Around 79.4% of South Hedland residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of WA's 80.7%. The area has 3.8%, or 483 people, aged 65 and over. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention compared to 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's population showed high cultural diversity, with 24.8% born overseas and 19.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 39.5%. Islam's representation stood at 4.7%, higher than the Rest of WA's 2.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (22.5%), English (21.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.6%). Notable differences included Maori, overrepresented at 2.8% compared to regional levels, Filipino at 3.2%, and New Zealand at 1.2%.

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

South Hedland's median age of 32 years is significantly 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 in South Hedland at 20.6%, compared to Rest of WA, while the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent at 3.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 years has grown from 17.0% to 18.5%, while the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 16.0% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for South Hedland in the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase significantly, with an addition of 679 people (26%), bringing the total to 3,307 from the current figure of 2,627. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 5-14 age cohorts.