Northam Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (WA)

Northam, Western Australia· UNKNOWN
Northam has a medium demographic profile typical of Western Australia suburbsUpdated 31 Mar 2026

Liveability Score

5.8/10

Northam has a medium demographic profile typical of Western Australia suburbs

Key Facts

Median Age
37 years (state avg)
Median Household Income
$1,496/wk (state avg)
Families with Children
27.1% of households
Home Ownership
67.2% own — 29.2% rent
Postcode
6401
Highest high-risk exposure
13.3% of land (bushfire)

Demographics Analysis

Northam in Western Australia reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in Western Australia has a median weekly income of around $1,496, with a median age of 37 years.

The ABS reports that 27.1% of households in Western Australia are couples with children, while 25.3% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 22.9% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.

Home ownership rates in Western Australia show that 67.2% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 29.2% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability — all important factors for home buyers evaluating Northam.

Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Northam. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles — families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your Northam property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.

Northam (postcode 6401) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (13.3% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (10.7% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (7.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Northam — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Implement bushfire management strategies

Immediate

Reduce fuel loads around properties and implement community education programs to improve bushfire preparedness.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop a heatwave management plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water and invest in water-efficient technologies to mitigate the impacts of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Improve building standards

Long-term

Implement building codes that require new construction to be more resilient to climate-related hazards, such as flooding and bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

Shire of Northam
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 31 March 2026

Explore Northam Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Northam?

Population data for Northam comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the Western Australia state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.

What is the median age in Northam?

The median age for Western Australia is 37 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Northam. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.

What is the average household income in Northam?

The median weekly household income in Western Australia is $1,496 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.

What type of people live in Northam?

The demographic profile of Northam is broadly shaped by its location within Western Australia. According to the ABS Census, 27.1% of households in the state are couples with children, while 25.3% are couples without children. The overall population of Western Australia has a median age of 37 — use this as context when assessing the demographic character of Northam.

What share of Northam is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 13.3% of Northam in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 73.7% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Northam Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Northam, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections