🔍

Jurien Bay

WA 6516 • Rest of WA

1,985
Population (2021)
$61,724
Median Household Income
525.89 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFishing IndustryHoliday DestinationRetirement HavenBeach Lifestyle

About Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is a coastal town in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region, located 220 kilometres north of Perth along Indian Ocean Drive. With a population of around 2,000, it has transformed from a 1950s fishing settlement into a thriving holiday destination and retirement haven. The town is the seat of the Shire of Dandaragan and serves as the largest community in the shire, known for its crystal-clear waters and thriving rock lobster industry.

Life in Jurien Bay revolves around the ocean and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The town is famous for its crayfishing industry, which exports lobster worldwide, and its stunning turquoise waters attract swimmers, divers, and water sports enthusiasts. Residents enjoy the Turquoise Way recreational trail, proximity to Lesueur National Park's unique biodiversity, and the annual Indian Ocean Festival. The town offers a supermarket, medical centre, district high school, and recreational facilities, with its population doubling during holiday seasons.

Jurien Bay falls under postcode 6516 and is governed by Dandaragan Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mid-West electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6516
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Dandaragan
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Mid-West
Type
Rural
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-30.28°, 115.10°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
525.89 km²
Elevation
52m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,625
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.8%

22 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Integrity Coach Lines — Perth 3h 30min (twice weekly)

Commute to Perth

Distance
220 km
By Bus
3h 30min (limited service)
By Car (Peak)
2h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 15min

🛣️ No train service. Limited bus (twice weekly). Most residents are car-dependent. Indian Ocean Drive provides scenic coastal route to Perth.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town centre walkable for basic needs. Beach and jetty accessible on foot. Car essential for most activities and travel.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,761
Census 2021
1,985
▲ 12.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,992
Personal Income 2021
$32,864
▲ 6.0% 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
$32,864 / yr
$632/wk
Household
$61,724 / yr
$1187/wk
Family
$77,792 / yr
$1496/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,493
Born Overseas 288

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 104
  • 2. New Zealand 46
  • 3. Scotland 18
  • 4. Philippines 13
  • 5. Indonesia 10
  • 6. Germany 9
  • 7. Brazil 8
  • 8. South Africa 8
  • 9. Netherlands 7
  • 10. Poland 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 874
English 864
Scottish 212
Irish 175
Australian Aboriginal 58
German 57
Italian 49
Dutch 31
New Zealander 18
French 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,187
Both parents born in Australia
365
Both parents born overseas
247
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.1%
Christianity
34.4%
Islam
0.5%
Hinduism
0.5%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
84 (4.2%)
5-14 years
191 (9.6%)
15-19 years
69 (3.5%)
20-24 years
61 (3.1%)
25-34 years
183 (9.2%)
35-44 years
216 (10.9%)
45-54 years
259 (13.0%)
55-64 years
345 (17.4%)
65-74 years
387 (19.5%)
75-84 years
148 (7.5%)
85+ years
36 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jurien Bay known for? +

Jurien Bay is famous for the opportunity to swim with wild Australian sea lions at Jurien Bay Marine Park, one of WA's most extraordinary wildlife experiences. The town also offers stunning Turquoise Coast beaches, snorkelling, and a charming coastal community.

How far is Jurien Bay from Perth? +

Jurien Bay is approximately 220 kilometres north of Perth, around a 2 hour 30 minute drive via the Brand Highway.

Does Jurien Bay have public transport? +

Jurien Bay has limited public transport with Transwa coach services connecting to Perth (approximately 3 hours). A car is recommended for exploring the Coral Coast and marine park.

What is the population of Jurien Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Jurien Bay has a population of approximately 1,985 residents, a growing Coral Coast community popular with holiday visitors and sea-changers.

Is Jurien Bay a good place to live? +

Jurien Bay offers a fantastic lifestyle with sea lion swimming, pristine Turquoise Coast beaches, and a friendly community. It suits remote workers, retirees, and those who value extraordinary wildlife experiences in a beautiful coastal setting.

What is the postcode for Jurien Bay? +

The postcode for Jurien Bay is 6516.

What is the average income in Jurien Bay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Jurien Bay is about $632 per week (around $32,900 per year). The median household income is $1,187 per week and the median family income is $1,496 per week.

What is the age profile of Jurien Bay? +

The median age in Jurien Bay is 52. The largest age group is 65–74 (387 residents, around 19%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 29% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Jurien Bay? +

In Jurien Bay, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,625 (2021 Census).