🔍

Esperance

WA 6450 • Rest of WA

2,080
Population (2021)
$36,192
Median Income
2.51 km²
Area
$235/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteRetiree-HavenPeacefulTourist Hub

About Esperance

Esperance is a coastal town suburb in the Shire of Esperance in southern Western Australia, located approximately 720 kilometres south-east of Perth on the stunning shores of the Great Australian Bight. With a population of around 2,080 and a median age of 52, Esperance has an older demographic profile, reflecting its appeal to sea-changers, retirees, and long-established farming and fishing families. The town centre serves as the administrative and commercial hub of the Esperance Shire, surrounded by one of Australia's most spectacular coastal landscapes of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

Esperance is renowned for its extraordinary natural environment — Cape Le Grand National Park, just 40 kilometres east of town, is famous for Lucky Bay where kangaroos lounge on the white sand, and offers world-class swimming, hiking, and snorkelling. The town has a compact retail centre, hospitals, schools, and a small fishing and grain export port. Outdoor recreation, fishing, farming connections, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle define life in Esperance, making it a cherished destination for visitors and a deeply loved home for those who choose to stay.

Esperance falls under postcode 6450 and is governed by Esperance Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Roe electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6450
Urban Area
Esperance
LGA / Council
Esperance
Federal Electorate
O'connor
State Electorate
Roe
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.86°, 121.89°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
2.51 km²
Elevation
8m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa coach service — Perth (Elizabeth Quay Bus Station) Approx. 9-10 hours

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
720 km
By Train
No direct rail service; Transwa coach takes approximately 9-10 hours to Perth
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 7-7.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 7 hours

🛣️ Esperance is very remote; most residents rely on private vehicles. Regional flights available via Esperance Airport to Perth.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for basic errands, but a car is essential for accessing national parks, beaches, and regional services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Esperance Boulevard Shopping Centre, Forrest Street Esperance 6450 WA

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$235
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
13.2%

79 state housing + 41 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,144
Census 2021
2,080
▼ 3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$30,732
Income 2021
$36,192
▲ 17.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,479
Born Overseas 358

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 104
  • 2. New Zealand 70
  • 3. South Africa 33
  • 4. Germany 18
  • 5. Philippines 16
  • 6. Scotland 16
  • 7. Thailand 12
  • 8. Vietnam 11
  • 9. Sri Lanka 10
  • 10. China 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 858
Australian 830
Scottish 242
Irish 189
German 89
Italian 67
Australian Aboriginal 53
Dutch 26
Filipino 22
Maori 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,122
Both parents born in Australia
432
Both parents born overseas
259
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
43.0%
Christianity
42.8%
Buddhism
1.4%
Islam
0.5%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
80 (3.8%)
5-14 years
199 (9.6%)
15-19 years
93 (4.5%)
20-24 years
86 (4.1%)
25-34 years
249 (12.0%)
35-44 years
198 (9.5%)
45-54 years
204 (9.8%)
55-64 years
308 (14.8%)
65-74 years
247 (11.9%)
75-84 years
265 (12.7%)
85+ years
154 (7.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Esperance known for? +

Esperance is renowned for its spectacular coastal environment, particularly the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Cape Le Grand National Park — including Lucky Bay, famous for its friendly kangaroos on the beach — as well as its fishing industry and relaxed southern WA lifestyle.

How far is Esperance from Perth? +

Esperance is approximately 720 kilometres south-east of Perth, a journey of around 7 hours by car or about 1 hour and 20 minutes by regional flight from Perth Airport.

Does Esperance have public transport? +

Esperance has no passenger rail service. Transwa operates a long-distance coach service connecting Esperance to Perth, though most residents rely on private vehicles for day-to-day transport.

What is the population of Esperance? +

According to the 2021 Census, Esperance has a population of approximately 2,080 residents in the immediate suburb area, with the broader Esperance township and shire housing a larger regional community.

Is Esperance a good place to live? +

Esperance is a wonderful destination for those seeking a relaxed, nature-immersed coastal lifestyle far from city pressures — particularly popular with retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and families who value space, safety, and some of Australia's most beautiful beaches.

What is the postcode for Esperance? +

The postcode for Esperance is 6450.