Top 10 Regional Towns in Western Australia

Western Australia’s regional towns are no longer just support centres for Perth. Today, they are economic engines, cultural custodians, lifestyle destinations, and future-focused growth hubs in their own right.

This editorial presents a comprehensive, star-rated review of the Top 10 Regional Towns and Cities in WA, assessed across 10 critical criteria that matter most to residents, investors, families, creatives, and policymakers.

Each town is rated ★ out of 5 across:

• Liveability
• Employment & Income
• Cost of Living & Housing
• Infrastructure & Services
• Economic Importance
• Arts & Community
• Indigenous Cultural Presence
• Tourism & Nature
• Family Friendliness
• Future Growth

🥇 Bunbury — The Benchmark Regional City

Bunbury stands clearly at the top as Western Australia’s most balanced regional city. As the capital of the South West, it blends coastal lifestyle with strong infrastructure, healthcare, education, and long-term economic growth.

Star Ratings

• Overall Liveability: ★★★★★
• Employment & Income: ★★★★☆
• Cost of Living & Housing: ★★★★☆
• Infrastructure & Services: ★★★★★
• Economic Importance: ★★★★☆
• Arts & Community: ★★★★☆
• Indigenous Cultural Presence: ★★☆☆☆
• Tourism & Nature: ★★★★☆
• Family Friendliness: ★★★★★
• Future Growth: ★★★★★

Overall Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WA’s best all-round regional city.

🥈 Geraldton — Culture, Coast & Opportunity

Geraldton combines a working port economy with one of the strongest regional arts and Indigenous cultural scenes in the state. It is rapidly emerging as a creative and renewable-energy hub.

Star Ratings

• Overall Liveability: ★★★★☆
• Employment & Income: ★★★★☆
• Cost of Living & Housing: ★★★★☆
• Infrastructure & Services: ★★★★☆
• Economic Importance: ★★★★☆
• Arts & Community: ★★★★★
• Indigenous Cultural Presence: ★★★★★
• Tourism & Nature: ★★★★☆
• Family Friendliness: ★★★★☆
• Future Growth: ★★★★★

Overall Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
WA’s leading cultural regional city.

🥉 Kalgoorlie-Boulder — Economic Powerhouse

One of Australia’s great mining cities, Kalgoorlie-Boulder delivers exceptional income potential and economic contribution. Climate and remoteness affect lifestyle scores, but opportunity remains unmatched.

Star Ratings

• Overall Liveability: ★★★☆☆
• Employment & Income: ★★★★★
• Cost of Living & Housing: ★★★★★
• Infrastructure & Services: ★★★★☆
• Economic Importance: ★★★★★
• Arts & Community: ★★★☆☆
• Indigenous Cultural Presence: ★★★★☆
• Tourism & Nature: ★★★☆☆
• Family Friendliness: ★★★☆☆
• Future Growth: ★★★★☆

Overall Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best town in WA for income and opportunity.

4️⃣ Albany — Stable, Historic & Liveable

Albany offers a cooler climate, strong education and defence links, and deep historical roots. It performs consistently well across nearly all indicators.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ideal for families and retirees seeking stability.

5️⃣ Broome — Tourism & Indigenous Icon

Globally recognised for tourism and Indigenous cultural visibility, Broome’s costs and seasonal economy lower some scores—but its cultural impact is unparalleled.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
WA’s most iconic cultural tourism town.

6️⃣ Karratha — High-Income Industrial Centre

Driven by mining and gas, Karratha offers strong wages and modern infrastructure. Lifestyle challenges remain, but its industrial relevance is long-term.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐
Best for high-income industrial careers.

7️⃣ Port Hedland — Strategic but Demanding

One of Australia’s most economically critical towns due to iron-ore exports. Lifestyle and affordability are challenging, but national importance is undeniable.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐
Economically vital, lifestyle-heavy.

8️⃣ Esperance — Natural Beauty Champion

With some of the most stunning beaches in the country, Esperance excels in lifestyle appeal, though its economic base is smaller.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐½
Best beaches, quieter opportunities.

9️⃣ Northam — Affordable & Accessible

Close to Perth and central to the Wheatbelt, Northam stands out for affordability and accessibility despite its smaller scale.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐½
Good value regional living.

🔟 Carnarvon — Food Bowl of the North

Carnarvon plays a crucial role in WA’s food supply. While smaller and less diversified, its agricultural importance is essential.

Overall Star Average: ⭐⭐⭐
Small town, essential role.

⭐ Final Editorial Summary

• Best Overall Regional City: Bunbury ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best Arts & Indigenous Culture: Geraldton & Broome ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best Income & Employment: Kalgoorlie-Boulder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best Tourism Appeal: Broome & Esperance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best Family Lifestyle: Bunbury & Albany ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Conclusion

Regional Western Australia is not one story—it is many. Each town excels in different ways, but together they form the backbone of the state’s economy, culture, and future prosperity.