Northam (WA)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Northam has a population estimated at approximately 7,634 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 955 residents (14.3%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 6,679 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident count of 7,618, calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means there are 285 persons per square kilometer, indicating plenty of room per resident and opportunities for future growth. The 14.3% expansion of the suburb of Northam since the 2021 census was faster than the national average (9.3%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. The expansion was mostly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 75.0% of the population increase in recent times, though other sources like overseas migration and natural growth also made positive contributions.

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Northam features a balanced workforce distributed between blue and white collar roles, with solid representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.4%, based on aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,328 residents are employed, which is 1.9% higher than the Regional WA unemployment rate of 3.5%, and labor force participation is lower at 57.2% compared to the regional figure of 65.6%. Census data indicates that a low 4.3% of workers operated from home, though the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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The suburb of Northam features a median taxpayer income of $52,446 and an average of $62,335, according to the ATO postcode data from financial year 2023 compiled by Districts. These figures are below the national average and contrast with Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated figures would be around $58,178 for the median and $69,148 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Northam all fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationwide. The largest income bracket contains 29.2% of taxpayers earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,229 residents), which aligns with the metropolitan rate of 31.1% in this bracket. Discretionary income after housing costs stands at , placing it in the th percentile nationally.

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The local housing profile at the latest Census consisted of 92.8% standalone houses and 7.2% other housing styles (townhouses, flats, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other styles. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate of 36.3% was higher than the Regional WA average, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was below the Regional WA median, and the median weekly rent was $250, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265. Nationally, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the majority of homes at 65.1%, which includes 21.9% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with single-person households at 32.0% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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The region has lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels (13.7%) falling below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and a potential area for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational training is common, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (30.5%).

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Public transport data shows 3 stops operating in Northam, consisting of a mix of bus options. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which provide 29 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 1454 meters from the nearest stop. Private cars remain the primary method of travel at 90%, while 6% of residents walk. Car ownership is lower than the regional average, at 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. A low 4.3% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health indicators highlight notable challenges in Northam, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, which are prominent in both young and old cohorts, while private health insurance rates are slightly below the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the population (~3,965 people). This compares to 56.4% of residents across Regional WA.

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Northam has a lower level of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 84.3% of the population, 83.5% of residents born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 51.7% of residents, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

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Northam features a median age of 41, which is close to the Regional WA average of 40 and slightly older than the national median of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is well represented at 12.7% compared to Regional WA, while the 45 - 54 bracket is less common at 10.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 10.9% to 12.4% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Future age projections suggest the local demographic mix will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age bracket is expected to lead this change with a 40% increase ( people), rising from to . Conversely, declines are projected for the + and to cohorts.

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Northam currently has an estimated 503 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 271 children aged 0-2 and 180 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 30% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 31% by 2041 (to approximately 657 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 784. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.