Onslow
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Onslow, WA 6710.
About Onslow
Welcome to Onslow
Onslow sits on the Pilbara coast of Western Australia, roughly 1,400 kilometres north of Perth, where the red desert country meets the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It's a small, self-contained town rather than a suburb in the conventional metropolitan sense, built around its role as a port and service centre for the surrounding resources industry and salt operations, with tourism playing an increasingly visible part in its identity.
With a population of just 829 and a median age of 35, Onslow has the feel of a tight-knit, working community rather than a commuter town. It tends to suit people connected to the resources and construction sectors, families looking for a genuine sea-change away from city pace, and those drawn to fishing, four-wheel-driving and the quiet expanse of the Pilbara coastline.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Onslow revolves around the outdoors and the ocean. The town's remoteness means dining and shopping options are modest and locally run rather than chain-driven, with the emphasis firmly on practicality and community connection over variety. What Onslow lacks in cafe strips it makes up for in access to genuinely unspoilt coastline, with locals gravitating to the foreshore, the jetty and nearby beaches for fishing, boating and simply watching the sun go down over the water.
The pace here is slower and the social scene smaller, which is precisely the appeal for many residents. Community events, sporting fixtures and the local pub tend to be the focal points of social life, and neighbours generally know each other by name.
Schools & families
Families in Onslow are served by Onslow School, which caters to local children through their earlier years of education in a small-town setting where class sizes are naturally low and the school plays a genuine community role beyond just the classroom. For secondary and tertiary study, many families look to boarding options or larger regional centres further afield, which is a consideration for those relocating with older children.
The town's youthful median age of 35 points to a community with plenty of working families and young children, and the compact scale of Onslow means school runs, sport and community activities are simple and low-stress compared with city living.
Getting around
Onslow is very much a drive-it-yourself town. The North West Coastal Highway connects Onslow to the broader Pilbara region, linking residents to larger centres such as Karratha and Exmouth for additional shopping, services and healthcare not available locally. Onslow also has its own small airport, providing air links that matter given the significant distances involved in getting to and from Perth.
Within the town itself, distances are short and a car (or even a bike) covers most day-to-day needs comfortably. Public transport in the conventional sense is minimal, reflecting the town's size, so most households rely on private vehicles, and a robust four-wheel-drive is a common choice given the unsealed roads and tracks that lead to some of the surrounding coastline and outback attractions.
Housing & architecture
Housing in Onslow is dominated by standalone houses, which make up 67% of current listings, reflecting the town's low-density, family-oriented character. Vacant land accounts for a notable 29% of listings, a sign of ongoing development opportunity and the relatively open nature of the town's footprint, while apartments and units make up a small 4% share for those wanting a more compact, lower-maintenance option.
Architecturally, homes tend to be practical, single-storey builds designed for the Pilbara climate, prioritising airflow, shade and resilience over ornamentation. The mix of established houses and available land gives buyers genuine choice between moving into a ready-made home or building to their own specification.
The property market
Onslow's property market is small and closely tied to the fortunes of the resources sector and regional development activity, which shapes both demand and the type of stock available. The strong representation of house listings (67%) alongside a substantial share of land (29%) suggests a market that offers both immediate purchase options and room for new builds, appealing to owner-occupiers and investors with a long-term view alike.
With a population of only 829, the market here operates on a much smaller scale than metropolitan suburbs, meaning fewer transactions but also less competition for buyers who understand the local dynamics. Anyone considering Onslow should factor in its remote location and the influence of industry cycles on both housing demand and rental activity in the town.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Onslow, WA 6710.
Population
829
residents (2021)
Median age
35
years
Household income
$2,596
median, per week
Median rent
$240
per week
Median mortgage
$1,825
per month
Mortgage / income
16%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Onslow
Government school catchment
Recent results
Recently sold in Onslow
$860k
13A McGrath Avenue
Sold ~July 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Onslow
Compare the area
Price map around Onslow
Every listing for sale near Onslow, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Common questions
Onslow suburb FAQ
Is Onslow a good place to live?
Onslow is a coastal town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, 1,386 kilometres (861 mi) north of Perth. Onslow is an established residential suburb in WA, with a population of around 829 and 1 school in the area.
What is the population of Onslow?
Onslow has a population of 829 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 35.
What schools are in Onslow?
There is 1 school in or near Onslow, including Onslow School.
Available now
Properties in Onslow
Large Residential Block For Sale
Develop or Build Opportunities
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - COASTAL ONSLOW OASIS
A Prime Onslow Opportunity!
THE HISTORIC ONSLOW POST OFFICE ON A CENTRAL CORNER BLOCK
THE HISTORIC ONSLOW POST OFFICE ON A CENTRAL CORNER BLOCK
Substantial 4-Bedroom Home on 1,481m² with Massive 9x8m Workshop
Old Onslow Charm
Fully Renovated, Big Block, Great Location!
3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Home with Plenty of Parking
