🔍

Port Hedland

WA 6721 • Rest of WA

4,081
Population (2021)
$178,568
Median Household Income
67.37 km²
Area
$210/wk
Median Rent
Mining TownRemoteAffluentDiverse

About Port Hedland

Port Hedland is a remote coastal port town in Western Australia's Pilbara region, approximately 1,640 kilometres north of Perth within the Town of Port Hedland local government area. The town's population of 4,081 skews heavily towards working-age adults — particularly those aged 25 to 44 — reflecting its role as one of Australia's most significant iron ore export hubs, home to operations by BHP and Fortescue Metals Group. Median personal income of $1,859 per week is among the highest in Australia, driven by the resources sector and a substantial FIFO (fly-in fly-out) workforce. The town has a multicultural character, with residents drawn from across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Philippines.

Port Hedland's economy centres almost entirely on its deep-water port, which handles enormous volumes of iron ore bound for Asian markets, making it one of the busiest bulk export ports in the world. The Boulevard Shopping Centre anchors everyday retail, complemented by local services, schools, and a small but active hospitality scene. Despite its remote location and harsh, hot climate, the town offers a surprising range of community facilities and outdoor activities, including foreshore areas and access to the surrounding Pilbara landscape. Port Hedland Airport connects residents to Perth and other regional centres, making it a practical base for those working in the resources industry.

Port Hedland falls under postcode 6721 and is governed by Port Hedland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pilbara electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Australia by Median Household Income💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Western Australia by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6721
Urban Area
Port Hedland exc. Tjalka Brooda
LGA / Council
Port Hedland
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Pilbara
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-20.34°, 118.63°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
67.37 km²
Elevation
9m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$210
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,812
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
34 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.1%

72 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Town of Port Hedland local bus — South Hedland / local areas Varies by route

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1640 km
By Train
No rail service; fly from Port Hedland Airport (approx. 2 hr flight to Perth)
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 16–18 hr drive (Great Northern Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 16–18 hr drive

🛣️ Flights are the primary long-distance transport; Port Hedland Airport has regular services to Perth and Darwin

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily life in Port Hedland; distances between facilities and the heat of the Pilbara make walking impractical for most errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Boulevard Shopping Centre, Anderson Street Port Hedland 6721 WA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,180
Census 2021
4,081
▼ 2.4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$85,904
Personal Income 2021
$96,668
▲ 12.5% 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
$96,668 / yr
$1859/wk
Household
$178,568 / yr
$3434/wk
Family
$206,492 / yr
$3971/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,727
Born Overseas 849

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 200
  • 2. England 107
  • 3. South Africa 68
  • 4. Philippines 55
  • 5. India 45
  • 6. Zimbabwe 38
  • 7. Scotland 29
  • 8. Ireland 24
  • 9. China 23
  • 10. Thailand 20

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,350
Australian 1,311
Irish 445
Scottish 372
Australian Aboriginal 277
German 142
Italian 120
Maori 96
Dutch 94
Filipino 83

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,923
Both parents born in Australia
1,066
Both parents born overseas
565
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.5%
Christianity
34.4%
Buddhism
1.3%
Islam
1.1%
Hinduism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
378 (9.3%)
5-14 years
604 (14.8%)
15-19 years
149 (3.7%)
20-24 years
180 (4.4%)
25-34 years
800 (19.6%)
35-44 years
880 (21.6%)
45-54 years
540 (13.2%)
55-64 years
392 (9.6%)
65-74 years
117 (2.9%)
75-84 years
29 (0.7%)
85+ years
3 (0.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Hedland known for? +

Port Hedland is known as the world's largest bulk export port by tonnage, shipping vast quantities of Pilbara iron ore to steel mills worldwide. The town has a unique industrial character with the giant ore ships, incredible tidal flats, and dramatic iron ore dust plumes creating an extraordinary visual landscape.

How far is Port Hedland from Perth? +

Port Hedland is approximately 1,765 kilometres north of Perth. Daily flights take approximately 2.5 hours to Perth.

Does Port Hedland have public transport? +

Port Hedland has limited local transport. Hedland Airport provides regular flights to Perth and regional centres. A car is essential for local transport.

What is the population of Port Hedland? +

According to the 2021 Census, Port Hedland (suburb) has a population of approximately 4,081 residents, with the broader Port Hedland area significantly larger and often boosted by FIFO (fly-in fly-out) workers.

Is Port Hedland a good place to live? +

Port Hedland offers extraordinary resources sector wages and a unique remote coastal lifestyle, with access to the stunning Pilbara coast and karijini National Park within reach. The heat, dust, and remoteness require adaptation, but the financial and lifestyle rewards attract many residents.

What is the postcode for Port Hedland? +

The postcode for Port Hedland is 6721.

What is the average income in Port Hedland? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Port Hedland is about $1,859 per week (around $96,700 per year). The median household income is $3,434 per week and the median family income is $3,971 per week.

What is the age profile of Port Hedland? +

The median age in Port Hedland is 34. The largest age group is 35–44 (880 residents, around 22%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 4% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Port Hedland? +

In Port Hedland, the median weekly rent is $210, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,812 (2021 Census).