🔍

Wickham

WA 6720 • Rest of WA

2,022
Population (2021)
$87,048
Median Income
23.46 km²
Area
$115/wk
Median Rent
Mining TownRemoteRuralAffluent

About Wickham

Wickham is a planned residential town in Western Australia's Pilbara region, located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Karratha within the City of Karratha local government area. With a population of around 2,022, it was purpose-built to house workers associated with the nearby Cape Lambert port and Robe River iron ore operations, which are now managed by Rio Tinto. The suburb has a high median household income reflecting the resources sector wages that underpin the local economy, with a notably young workforce — the median age is just 31.

Wickham offers a self-contained township experience in a remote coastal setting, with local amenities including a shopping centre, recreational facilities, and access to the Pilbara coastline and the Cape Lambert area. The town has a strong community spirit characteristic of Pilbara resource towns, with sporting clubs and outdoor activities central to local life. While the area is car-dependent and remote — the nearest major centre is Karratha — the natural landscape, fishing, and outdoor lifestyle attract those who appreciate the rugged Pilbara environment.

Wickham falls under postcode 6720 and is governed by Karratha Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pilbara electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6720
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Karratha
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Pilbara
Type
Rural
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-20.67°, 117.15°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
23.46 km²
Elevation
11m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Karratha 30-40 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1630 km
By Train
No direct train; Karratha Airport offers regular flights to Perth (~2 hours)
By Car (Peak)
~16-17 hours drive
By Car (Off-Peak)
~16-17 hours drive

🛣️ Fly-in fly-out via Karratha Airport is the standard commute for long-distance workers; Karratha is ~25km away by road

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most activities; the town centre is accessible on foot but distances to Karratha require driving

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Mulga Way Wickham 6720 WA

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$115
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$790
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
31 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.8%

29 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,295
Census 2021
2,022
▼ 11.9% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$74,880
Income 2021
$87,048
▲ 16.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,363
Born Overseas 289

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 85
  • 2. Philippines 41
  • 3. England 29
  • 4. South Africa 19
  • 5. Thailand 18
  • 6. India 12
  • 7. Zimbabwe 11
  • 8. Indonesia 8
  • 9. Ireland 7
  • 10. Nepal 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 776
English 631
Australian Aboriginal 235
Irish 136
Scottish 126
German 83
Maori 66
Italian 65
Filipino 56
Dutch 30

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

982
Both parents born in Australia
352
Both parents born overseas
303
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.5%
Christianity
27.5%
Hinduism
1.0%
Buddhism
0.8%
Judaism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
198 (9.8%)
5-14 years
379 (18.7%)
15-19 years
114 (5.6%)
20-24 years
103 (5.1%)
25-34 years
369 (18.2%)
35-44 years
409 (20.2%)
45-54 years
247 (12.2%)
55-64 years
155 (7.7%)
65-74 years
45 (2.2%)
75-84 years
12 (0.6%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wickham known for? +

Wickham is known as a purpose-built resources town in WA's Pilbara region, established to house workers for the Cape Lambert port facility and Robe River iron ore operations managed by Rio Tinto. It is also noted for its coastal location and strong community spirit typical of Pilbara mining towns.

How far is Wickham from Karratha? +

Wickham is approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Karratha by road, roughly a 25–30 minute drive. Karratha is the nearest major service centre for hospitals, major retail, and Karratha Airport.

Does Wickham have public transport? +

Public transport options in Wickham are very limited. There is no passenger rail service in the Pilbara region. A private vehicle is essential for most residents, and fly-in fly-out workers typically use Karratha Airport for travel.

What is the population of Wickham? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wickham has a population of approximately 2,022 residents. The community skews young — with a median age of 31 — reflecting the resources workforce that drives the local economy.

Is Wickham a good place to live? +

Wickham suits workers in the resources sector and those who enjoy a close-knit remote community lifestyle. The high wages from mining employment offer strong financial incentives, while the coastal Pilbara environment provides fishing, outdoor recreation, and a rugged natural setting — though remoteness and limited services are trade-offs.

What is the postcode for Wickham? +

The postcode for Wickham is 6720.