🔍

Broome

WA 6725 • Rest of WA

3,797
Population (2021)
$93,704
Median Household Income
5.82 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
CoastalTourist HubMulticulturalRemoteHistoric

About Broome

Broome is a vibrant, multicultural coastal town in the Kimberley region of north-west Western Australia, situated approximately 2,200 kilometres north of Perth within the Shire of Broome. The suburb has a population of 3,797 and a young median age of 36, with a notably diverse cultural makeup — over 1,200 residents identify Aboriginal ancestry, representing around a third of the local population, alongside significant Filipino, Chinese, and European communities that reflect the town's pearling heritage. The median personal income of $967 per week is relatively strong given its remote location, underpinned by the tourism, hospitality, and resource industries.

Broome is world-renowned for Cable Beach, a 22-kilometre stretch of white sand and turquoise waters that draws visitors from across Australia and overseas, particularly during the dry season from April to October. The town's historic Chinatown precinct, Broome Courthouse Markets, pearl showrooms, and the Sun Pictures open-air cinema — one of the world's oldest operating picture gardens — give it a rich cultural and heritage character unlike any other Australian town. While remote, Broome is well serviced with a Coles, Woolworths, Broome Boulevard Shopping Centre, hospital, and Broome International Airport with regular flights to Perth, making it a self-contained regional hub for the vast Kimberley.

Broome falls under postcode 6725 and is governed by Broome Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kimberley electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Western Australia Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6725
Urban Area
Broome - Central
LGA / Council
Broome
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Kimberley
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-17.96°, 122.23°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
5.82 km²
Elevation
17m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
21.5%

219 state housing + 32 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Broome Transit (limited local routes) — Broome town centre, Cable Beach 10-20 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
2200 km
By Train
No rail connection; 25-30 hour drive via Great Northern Highway
By Car (Peak)
25-30 hours (remote highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 hours (remote highway)

🛣️ Broome International Airport operates regular Qantas and Virgin flights to Perth (approx. 2.5 hrs); car is essential for local travel

Walkability Car-Dependent

Compact town centre with some walkable precincts, but a car is needed for most errands and to reach Cable Beach and outer areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Carnarvon Street & Short Street Broome 6725 WA
  • Woolworths
    Broome Boulevard Shopping Centre, 106 Frederick Street Broome 6725 WA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,042
Census 2021
3,797
▼ 6.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$42,848
Personal Income 2021
$50,284
▲ 17.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$50,284 / yr
$967/wk
Household
$93,704 / yr
$1802/wk
Family
$118,612 / yr
$2281/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,574
Born Overseas 617

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 76
  • 2. Philippines 69
  • 3. New Zealand 62
  • 4. South Africa 28
  • 5. China 26
  • 6. India 25
  • 7. Germany 23
  • 8. Thailand 23
  • 9. France 22
  • 10. United States 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 1,089
English 928
Australian 893
Irish 269
Scottish 236
Chinese 103
German 103
Filipino 88
Italian 87
Dutch 49

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,013
Both parents born in Australia
723
Both parents born overseas
362
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
42.0%
Christianity
33.7%
Buddhism
1.5%
Islam
0.8%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
211 (5.6%)
5-14 years
534 (14.1%)
15-19 years
237 (6.2%)
20-24 years
208 (5.5%)
25-34 years
638 (16.8%)
35-44 years
555 (14.6%)
45-54 years
554 (14.6%)
55-64 years
472 (12.4%)
65-74 years
260 (6.8%)
75-84 years
90 (2.4%)
85+ years
30 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broome known for? +

Broome is world-famous for Cable Beach — 22 kilometres of pristine white sand and turquoise water — and the spectacular Staircase to the Moon phenomenon. The town has a rich pearling heritage, diverse multicultural population, and is the gateway to the Kimberley's extraordinary landscapes.

How far is Broome from Perth? +

Broome is approximately 2,200 kilometres north of Perth by road, or approximately 2.5 hours by plane from Perth Airport.

Does Broome have public transport? +

Broome has limited local bus services. Flights from Broome Airport connect to Perth and other destinations. There is no passenger rail to Broome; a car is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Broome? +

According to the 2021 Census, Broome's main suburb has a population of approximately 3,797 residents, with the broader Broome area population around 14,000 and significant seasonal visitor traffic.

Is Broome a good place to live? +

Broome offers a truly unique tropical lifestyle with world-class beaches, diverse culture, and the extraordinary Kimberley region on the doorstep. It suits adventurous spirits, tourism workers, and those who value nature and cultural experiences over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Broome? +

The postcode for Broome is 6725.

What is the average income in Broome? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Broome is about $967 per week (around $50,300 per year). The median household income is $1,802 per week and the median family income is $2,281 per week.

What is the age profile of Broome? +

The median age in Broome is 36. The largest age group is 25–34 (638 residents, around 17%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 10% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Broome? +

In Broome, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,950 (2021 Census).