Kununurra (WA)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Kununurra has a population estimated at around 6,217 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 723 people (13.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,494 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,217, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.9 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. the suburb of Kununurra's 13.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local workforce is highly skilled, featuring strong representation in essential service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 7.2% and a yearly employment growth estimate of 3.5%, according to Districts statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 3,205 employed local residents, although the unemployment rate sits 3.7% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%, indicating room for labor market progress. Labor force participation is exceptionally high, standing at 71.4% compared to the Regional WA benchmark of 65.6%. According to Census records, a minor 4.3% of the working population operated from home, though this figure should be interpreted alongside the potential impacts of Covid-19 restrictions.

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According to the most recent postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Kununurra recorded a median taxpayer income of $65,304 and an average of $77,121. These figures are elevated on a national scale, comparing favorably to the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $72,442 for median income and $85,550 for average income. Census findings show individual weekly earnings are high, sitting at the 88th percentile nationally with a median of $1,153. The largest bracket contains 39.5% of the local population (2,455 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring regional trends where fall into this same band. After meeting housing expenses, households retain of their earnings, indicating substantial discretionary spending capacity, and the area is positioned in the th decile of the SEIFA economic index.

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Residential composition in Kununurra at the time of the latest Census consisted of 66.5% freestanding houses and 33.5% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses, apartments, and other housing formats, compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options. Homeownership rates in Kununurra were lower than the Regional WA average, sitting at 15.7%, while the remaining properties were split between those with a mortgage (19.6%) and rental properties (64.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,019 was notably higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, whereas the median weekly rent of $266 was comparable to the Regional WA figure of $265. On a national level, mortgage costs in Kununurra exceed the Australian median of $1,863, while local rental rates are significantly below the national median of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of households at 71.5%, which includes 28.9% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 13.6% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.5%, consisting of single-person households at 24.1% and group shared housing at 4.3%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is slightly larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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High school and higher education rates in Kununurra are substantially higher than regional averages, with 28.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 17.6% across the Rest of WA and 20.5% in the local SA4 region. This educational profile positions the community well to access professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational education is also highly represented, with 39.8% of the population aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.0%).

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Based on Districts assessments of mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term medical conditions, health indicators in Kununurra track closely to national averages, showing typical rates of common health issues across younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high at approximately 58% of the population (~3,594 people).

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Cultural diversity in Kununurra is higher than average, with 18.0% of the population born outside of Australia and 14.7% of households using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 40.6% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation occurs in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of local residents compared to none in Regional WA.

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With a median age of 32 years, Kununurra's population is noticeably younger than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national average of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 20.0% compared to Regional WA, while the 65 - 74 bracket is less common at 5.6%. The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is also higher than the national rate of 14.6%. The local population has grown younger since 2021, with the median age dropping from 33 to 32 years, a shift of 1.1 years. Key shifts include the 35 to 44 age cohort increasing from 14.5% to 16.9% of the population, and the to group rising from to . In contrast, the to cohort fell from to , and the to group declined from to . Demographic projections for suggest significant shifts, with the to age group expected to expand by , adding people to reach while the to and to age groups are projected to contract.

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Kununurra currently has an estimated 472 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 292 children aged 0-2 and 195 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 30% by 2041 (to approximately 614 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 705. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.