Council (LGA) · Area profile
East Pilbara
372,296 km²
A massive mining presence defines East Pilbara, where nearly half of all workers are employed in the mining industry. This remote region is noticeably younger than the national average, with a typical resident aged 34. While the population shrank by 18% since 2011, the community remains a high-income hub with typical weekly family earnings well above the state and national figures. It is a diverse area where First Nations heritage and a mobile, working-age population shape the local character.
Despite high local incomes, the area's schools serve a less advantaged intake.
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The typical resident is 34, making this area noticeably younger than most of Australia. It has a very high proportion of people in de facto relationships (23.3%) and a tiny senior population, with people aged 65 and over making up only 3.0% of the community.
People born overseas make up 21.6% of the population, which is much higher than most similar areas, though still well below the Western Australian average. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.
About 21.1% of residents use a language other than English at home, a figure that has risen by 4.3 points since 2011. This is much higher than most similar areas.
People with no religion make up 39.1% of the population, which is about the same as the national figure. This group has grown by 14 points since 2011.
Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 9.6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. However, Year 12 completion rose 5.7 points since 2011 to reach 40.2%.
Incomes are among the highest in the country, with 36.7% of households earning $3,000 or more a week. The typical weekly family income of $2,828 is well above the national figure.
Residents are generally healthier than most people across Australia; only 13.3% have a long-term health condition, and just 3.8% report a mental health condition.
Volunteer rates are much lower than most areas at 11.4%. Unpaid care for children is around the middle for similar areas, but only 5.8% of people provide other forms of unpaid care.
First Nations people make up 17.9% of the population, far above the national average. A huge 58.2% speak a First Nations language, which is among the highest rates in the country.
Households are larger than usual, with 2.9 people per home. Families with children are common, making up 63.9% of households.
Renting is very common here, with 74.2% of households renting, far above the national figure. Most homes are separate houses (90.7%), and typical weekly rents are much lower than the state average at $105.
Public transport use is far above the national average at 16.1%, despite the area having no recorded public transport stops. About 10.2% of homes have no motor vehicle.
The population is highly mobile, with 44.2% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas also make up a much higher share (17.5%) than in most similar areas.
The economy is dominated by mining, where 48.9% of people work. Full-time employment is far above the national figure at 77.7%, and the unemployment rate is a little lower than the state average at 3.7%.
The region has a mid-range overall advantage score of 5, though its access to money and resources is very low compared to other areas.
The climate is very hot and dry, with an average maximum temperature of 35.2°C and average annual rainfall of 317mm, which is far above the state average.
Walkability is lower than the state average, with only 55% of homes having a 15-minute-city walkshed. However, 90.7% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park.