Jordan James
6/21 Hill Road, Dampier, WA 6713
Set Date Sale 7th July 2026 6PM
2 1 1
Open Saturday 27 June 10:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Dampier — Ngarluma Country
Developed by Hamersley Iron (now Rio Tinto) as a purpose-built port town to facilitate the export of iron ore from the Pilbara. It remained a closed company town until the 1980s when private ownership was introduced.
A tight-knit, affluent coastal community that serves as a prestigious residential alternative to Karratha, favored by senior mining staff and boating enthusiasts.
Overall Score
7
Strong lifestyle appeal and high yields balanced by extreme cyclical economic risks.
Aboriginal Name
Murujuga— "Hip bone sticking out"
Name Origin
Named after William Dampier, the first Englishman to explore the coast of Australia in 1688.
Established
Gazetted 1965
Major Port
One of the world's largest bulk export ports by tonnage.
Heritage
Gateway to the Murujuga petroglyphs, the world's largest collection of rock art.
Red Dog
The legendary kelpie-cross has a famous statue at the town entrance.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6
Prices have stabilized following the post-pandemic surge but remain sensitive to mining CAPEX.
Amenity
7
Excellent boating and foreshore facilities, though retail is limited compared to Karratha.
Schools
6
Dampier Primary is well-regarded, but secondary students must commute to Karratha.
Transport
4
Remote location requires private vehicle ownership; limited public transit options.
Risk Profile
3
High risk due to cyclone exposure, industrial proximity, and single-industry reliance.
Liveability
8
Exceptional for families who value outdoor recreation and a quiet, community-focused atmosphere.
Demographics
7
High-income professional population with significant Rio Tinto workforce representation.
Rental Demand
9
Extremely tight vacancy rates driven by corporate leases and limited new supply.
Growth Potential
6
Tied to long-term green steel and energy transition projects in the Pilbara.
Affordability
4
One of the most expensive regional markets in WA due to land scarcity and high demand.
Crime & Safety
8
Significantly lower crime rates than the regional average, benefiting from its 'cul-de-sac' geography.
Walkability
5
Small town footprint is walkable, but extreme summer heat makes it impractical for much of the year.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$845,000
Reflecting premium coastal status
Rental Yield
9.2%
Gross yield for 4-bedroom homes
Cyclone Zone
Region D
Highest wind rating required
Lifestyle
Archipelago
42 islands within reach
Employment
Rio Tinto
Primary local employer
Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Critical undersupply of housing
✅ Key Advantages
- Unrivaled coastal lifestyle with world-class fishing and diving at the doorstep.
- High rental yields often exceeding 9%, supported by corporate mining leases.
- Strong sense of community safety and 'small town' feel compared to Karratha.
- Limited land availability creates a natural floor for property values.
- Significant historical and cultural significance with the Murujuga National Park nearby.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Extreme insurance premiums due to cyclone risk and remote location.
- High maintenance costs; salt air corrosion and termite activity are aggressive.
- Vulnerability to 'boom and bust' cycles of the iron ore industry.
- Presence of legacy building materials (asbestos) in many original 1960s/70s homes.
- Limited shopping and medical services, requiring frequent trips to Karratha.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Coastal Industrial
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Primarily detached 3-4 bedroom houses on large lots, with few units.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$680k – $1.3m
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Dampier is the 'Toorak of the North.' It offers a higher social standing and better views than Karratha, making it the preferred choice for long-term residents and senior management.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$845,000
$750k – $1.25m
🏢 Unit Median
$420,000
$380k – $480k
📈 Price Trend
+4.8% over the last 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $1,300 – $1,900pw, Units $750pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The market has moved from a recovery phase into a sustained high-value plateau, driven by a lack of new residential land releases in the Dampier township.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
25% above Perth metro house median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
5.4x average local household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
9.2% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While expensive relative to Perth, high local mining salaries keep the debt-to-income ratio manageable for residents, though it is difficult for first-home buyers without industry backing.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
12 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+11.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Extremely High
👤 Tenant Profile
Mining engineers, port operations staff, and corporate contractors on long-term leases.
💼 Investor Outlook
Dampier remains a premier yield play. The risk is not finding a tenant, but managing the high cost of repairs and insurance which can eat into net returns.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.8%
1-Year Growth
+32%
3-Year Growth
+62%
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Expansion of the Port of Dampier for new energy exports.
- Murujuga World Heritage listing increasing tourism infrastructure investment.
- Scarborough Gas Project and associated downstream processing.
- Zero new residential land supply within the Dampier township itself.
⛔ Headwinds
- Transition toward automation in mining reducing on-site personnel needs.
- Rising interest rates impacting high-value regional mortgages.
- Potential for new housing developments in Karratha to draw demand away.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Steady growth expected as the region transitions to a 'clean energy hub,' though price volatility will remain a feature of the local market.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
8
Safety Score
Above Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
20% below Perth metro average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Alcohol-related incidents: Medium
Traffic/Hooning: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Dampier is widely considered the safest suburb in the City of Karratha due to its single entry road and high proportion of owner-occupiers.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
The primary risks are environmental and economic. Investors must account for high holding costs and the potential for rapid price corrections if iron ore demand falters.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk for most dwellings due to elevated topography, but foreshore areas are at risk of storm surge.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Moderate risk on the town fringes where residential lots meet scrubland.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Critical concern. Premiums are among the highest in Australia; some insurers may refuse cover for older, non-cyclone-rated structures.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
R20 Single Residential
🔲 Overlays
Cyclone Region D, Heritage (Murujuga proximity)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Dampier Foreshore redevelopment (public works)
Strict zoning and limited land mean that capital growth is driven by scarcity rather than subdivision potential.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Poor; car is essential. Proximity to Karratha Airport (15 mins) is a plus for FIFO.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Good; iconic Dampier Sharkies club, local tavern, and basic shops cover essentials.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent; Dampier Foreshore is a world-class public space with BBQ facilities and playgrounds.
🏫 Schools
Moderate; Dampier Primary is excellent, but high schoolers must bus to Karratha.
🏥 Healthcare
Basic; local GP available, but major hospital services are located in Karratha.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A high-income, family-oriented population with a strong 'work hard, play hard' culture centered on the ocean.
💵 Median Income
$145,000 pa
🏠 Ownership
35% owner-occupied, 60% renting (mostly corporate)
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 36
🎓 Education
High vocational (trade) and engineering qualifications
📊 Age Distribution
The high rental percentage is misleading; most 'renters' are long-term residents in company-provided housing, creating a more stable community than typical rental markets.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus is on port diversification and tourism rather than residential expansion.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Dampier Marina project to enhance recreational boating facilities.
- Murujuga Living Knowledge Centre to drive international tourism.
- Upgrades to the Dampier Highway improving safety and transit times.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased industrial traffic during port expansion phases.
- Potential for increased noise pollution from 24/7 port operations.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Karratha
Position
15km East
Price
20% cheaper
Lifestyle
Urban hub vs coastal village
Best for
First home buyers and retail workers
📍Nickol
Position
12km East
Price
15% cheaper
Lifestyle
Modern suburban feel, no ocean views
Best for
Young families seeking newer homes
📍Bulgarra
Position
18km East
Price
25% cheaper
Lifestyle
Established leafy streets, higher crime
Best for
Renovators and budget-conscious investors
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Port Hedland
WA
6/10
Major iron ore port with high yields and coastal risk.
Exmouth
WA
8/10
Premium coastal lifestyle and high tourism/resource demand.
Gladstone
QLD
6/10
Industrial port town with cyclical property market.
Mackay
QLD
7/10
Resource-driven economy with strong coastal amenities.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents are fiercely loyal to Dampier, citing the 'village' feel and ocean access as the best in the Pilbara, though some complain about the lack of retail variety.
★★★★★
Lifestyle
There is nowhere else in the Pilbara where you can finish work and be on your boat in five minutes. It's paradise for fishos.
Boating
Convenience
★★★★☆
Family
The primary school is fantastic and the kids have so much freedom here, but the drive to Karratha for groceries gets old.
Schools
Shopping
★★★★☆
Investment
The yields are insane, but the insurance and maintenance costs are a real shock if you aren't prepared for the Pilbara climate.
Yield
Costs
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize homes with 'Region D' cyclone certification for insurance purposes.
- Check for asbestos (Harditex/Fibro) in any home built before 1990.
- Look for properties on higher ground to mitigate long-term storm surge risks.
- Verify if the property is on a 'Crown Lease' or is 'Freehold'—most are now freehold, but some anomalies exist.
- Inspect the condition of air conditioning units; they work 24/7 and have short lifespans here.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property fully freehold, or are there any legacy company lease conditions?
- What is the current cyclone rating of the roof and window protections?
- Has an asbestos audit been conducted on this property?
- What is the current insurance premium being paid by the owner?
- Are there any planned industrial expansions nearby that will impact noise or dust levels?
- Is the property currently under a corporate lease, and what are the renewal terms?
- How does the property perform during heavy rainfall/storm surge events?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight ocean views and proximity to boat ramps in all marketing materials.
- Ensure all cyclone shutters are in perfect working order before listing.
- Target corporate relocation agents who handle senior mining executive housing.
- Professional photography is essential to capture the coastal 'lifestyle' appeal.
- Be transparent about any historical asbestos remediation.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'lifestyle trophy' rather than just a house. Emphasize the exclusivity of Dampier compared to the suburban sprawl of Karratha.
💼 Investment Case
Dampier is a high-yield play for those with high risk tolerance and significant capital.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Single-industry reliance and high holding costs (insurance/maintenance).
📈 Action Plan
- Target 4-bedroom homes which are preferred for corporate leases.
- Secure comprehensive cyclone insurance before settlement.
- Establish a relationship with a local property manager experienced in corporate contracts.
- Budget 15% of gross rent for maintenance due to the harsh environment.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Apply with a corporate backing if possible; landlords prefer mining company leases.
- Be prepared for high electricity bills due to constant air conditioning.
- Check the seal on all doors and windows to keep out red dust.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Quiet, safe, and the best beach access in the region.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Very limited rental stock; you may have to wait months for a property to become available.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Offer long-term leases to mining companies for guaranteed income.
- Include garden maintenance in the rent to ensure the property doesn't deteriorate in the heat.
- Install high-quality, energy-efficient air conditioning to attract premium tenants.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure the property meets all modern RCD and smoke alarm standards, and has a current cyclone safety certificate.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is driven by 'lifestyle' buyers who are often less price-sensitive than Karratha buyers.
- Stock levels are historically low, leading to off-market transactions.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Gateway to the Archipelago' and the 'Safest Town in the Pilbara.'
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Senior mining professionals, local business owners, and high-yield interstate investors.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Verify 'Region D' cyclone compliance for the main structure.
✓
Conduct a professional pest inspection specifically for subterranean termites.
✓
Perform a detailed asbestos survey (common in Dampier's original housing).
✓
Review the 'City of Karratha Local Planning Scheme' for any future changes.
✓
Obtain three separate insurance quotes to understand holding costs.
✓
Check the elevation of the property relative to the 1-in-100-year storm surge line.
✓
Inspect all electrical wiring (salt air can cause rapid degradation).
✓
Confirm the status of the Dampier Land Lease (if applicable).
✓
Evaluate the condition of the hot water system and air conditioning (high-wear items).
✓
Assess the proximity to the Rio Tinto rail line for noise impact.
✓
Check for any heritage overlays related to the Murujuga National Park.
✓
Verify the availability of high-speed internet (NBN status).
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-31. Property investment in regional mining towns carries significant risk. This information is for general due diligence purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent investigations and consult with professional advisors.
