🔍

Derby

WA 6728 • Rest of WA

3,222
Population (2021)
$89,076
Median Household Income
467.28 km²
Area
$180/wk
Median Rent
RemoteRegional HubKimberleyIndigenous CommunityTropical

About Derby

Derby is a major Kimberley town in far northern Western Australia on King Sound, around 220 km north-east of Broome. The 2021 population is 3,222, with a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and strong regional service functions. It is known for extreme tidal ranges, historic boab landscapes and its role as an administrative and logistics centre for the West Kimberley. Derby has a distinctly remote-town character shaped by climate, culture and long-distance connectivity.

The town supports health, education, justice and local government services for surrounding remote communities, alongside tourism and transport activity. Daily life is largely car-oriented, with local shopping and schools available but specialised services often requiring travel to larger centres. Air links and regional road/coach services are more important than rail in this part of WA. Derby attracts regional workers, long-term local families and residents connected to Kimberley community networks.

Derby falls under postcode 6728 and is governed by Derby-West Kimberley 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
6728
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Derby-West Kimberley
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Kimberley
Type
Rural
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-17.34°, 123.65°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
467.28 km²
Elevation
6m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$180
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,638
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
31.4%

206 state housing + 54 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Kimberley regional coach services — Broome 2.5-3.5 hr
  • Regional road services — Fitzroy Crossing / Kununurra corridor 4-10 hr
  • Local community transport — Derby township facilities 10-25 min

Commute to Broome (regional centre)

Distance
220 km
By Bus
2.5-3.5 hr
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 20 min-3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min-2 hr 45 min

🛣️ Derby operates as its own remote centre; air services are critical for longer-distance connectivity across the Kimberley.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town trips can be short, but heat, distances and limited transit mean private vehicles are the primary transport mode.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    131-135 Loch Street Derby 6728 WA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,511
Census 2021
3,222
▼ 8.2% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$37,544
Personal Income 2021
$44,460
▲ 18.4% 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
$44,460 / yr
$855/wk
Household
$89,076 / yr
$1713/wk
Family
$100,984 / yr
$1942/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,118
Born Overseas 315

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 77
  • 2. England 49
  • 3. India 29
  • 4. Philippines 25
  • 5. China 10
  • 6. United States 10
  • 7. Zimbabwe 10
  • 8. Bangladesh 9
  • 9. Malaysia 8
  • 10. Papua New Guinea 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 1,106
Australian 605
English 545
Irish 190
Scottish 164
German 41
Italian 35
Maori 30
Chinese 27
Filipino 27

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,675
Both parents born in Australia
366
Both parents born overseas
184
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
34.3%
No Religion
30.9%
Islam
0.6%
Buddhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
217 (6.7%)
5-14 years
435 (13.5%)
15-19 years
156 (4.8%)
20-24 years
220 (6.8%)
25-34 years
554 (17.2%)
35-44 years
418 (13.0%)
45-54 years
430 (13.3%)
55-64 years
413 (12.8%)
65-74 years
271 (8.4%)
75-84 years
87 (2.7%)
85+ years
24 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Derby known for? +

Derby is known as the gateway to the famous Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay, accessible by scenic flight, and as the western entry point to the Gibb River Road — one of Australia's great outback drives. The town has significant Aboriginal cultural connections and Boab Prison Tree nearby.

How far is Derby from Perth? +

Derby is approximately 2,400 kilometres north of Perth, around a 24-hour drive. Flights from Derby Airport connect to Broome (30 min) and Perth (2.5 hours).

Does Derby have public transport? +

Derby has limited local transport. Flights are the standard long-distance transport, with Derby Airport connecting to Broome and Perth. A car is essential for local travel.

What is the population of Derby? +

According to the 2021 Census, Derby has a population of approximately 3,222 residents, including a significant Aboriginal community in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley.

Is Derby a good place to live? +

Derby offers an extraordinary outback lifestyle in the remote Kimberley, with access to the Horizontal Falls, Gibb River Road, gorge country, and significant Aboriginal culture. It suits those working in government, health, or mining who value extreme natural beauty.

What is the postcode for Derby? +

The postcode for Derby is 6728.

What is the average income in Derby? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Derby is about $855 per week (around $44,500 per year). The median household income is $1,713 per week and the median family income is $1,942 per week.

What is the age profile of Derby? +

The median age in Derby is 35. The largest age group is 25–34 (554 residents, around 17%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Derby? +

In Derby, the median weekly rent is $180, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,638 (2021 Census).