1304.5 - Stats Talk WA, Jun 2010  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 30/06/2010   
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Postcards From The Census
Shark Bay


In the lead up to the 2011 Census, Stats Talk will be sending postcards from areas across our big beautiful State using data from the last Census in 2006. In this issue we are heading north to glorious Shark Bay.

The Shire of Shark Bay is the name of the Local Government Area which incorporates an area of 24,170sq. kms.

Denham, the major township in the shire, is located 831 kilometres north of Perth and attracts tourists from all over the world for its breathtaking scenery and incredible fishing. From Denham you can visit spectacular areas such as Monkey Mia, Shell Beach and the Stromatolites.

Luck Bay - Cape Le Grand Esperance Luck Bay - Cape Le Grand Esperance Luck Bay - Cape Le Grand Esperance
Shell Beach Denham and the Stromatolites


According to the 2006 Census, there were 863 people usually resident in the shire of Shark Bay. There were slightly more males (452) than females (411).

The highest percentage of the population (43%) is in the age group of 25-54. The median age is 45, significantly higher than the Australian median age of 37. The median age for men in Shark Bay is 48 and for women 43.

Map of Shark Bay




Not surprisingly, the main field of occupation is Accommodation and Food Service. Twenty percent of all employed persons are in this industry. Other main industries include, Public Administration and Safety(12%) and Mining(11%).

In 2006, 48% of people above the age of 15 in Shark Bay stated that they were married, while 30% advised that they had not yet taken a trip down the aisle.

So that was a quick look at the folk in Shark Bay. What will be really interesting to see is how much the population of Shark Bay has changed since 2006.

All will be revealed after Census 2011.

    A Selection of Statistics for the Local Government Area of Shark Bay
    (sourced from 2006 Census, Quick Stats)
    Number of people born overseas 138
    Total families 210
    Total participating in the labour force (15+) 429
    Median individual income ($/weekly) 447
    Median household income ($/weekly) 780
    Total private dwellings (includes unoccupied dwellings) 925
    Median rent ($/weekly) 93
    Most dominant religious affiliation Anglican (200)