Karratha offers a materially higher gross yield (6.9% vs 4.5%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Karratha achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Geraldton requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Geraldton WA · #18 | Karratha WA · #10 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.5% | 6.9% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.4% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $577k | $490k |
| Weekly Rent | $500/wk | $650/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-3,978 | +$8,320 |
| Cashflow | Slightly-Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +7.1% | +5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +8.8% | +7% |
| NG Dependence | Medium | None |
| Discovery Status | Emerging | Emerging |
| Population | 38k | 17k |
| Cycle Stage | Early-Mid | Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE |
| Signal Score | 55 / Tier 2 | 63 / Tier 1 |
Geraldton retains the highest yield in the expansion set at 4.5%, with the smallest cashflow gap of the WA markets. The WA cycle has run the price from the $300s to $576k, but rental growth has tracked alongside. Agricultural export hub (grain port), RAAF Base Geraldton, and Mid West fisheries provide a diversified employment base. Slightly negative cashflow — not a yield play at current entry prices, but the most defensible yield profile among the 7 expansion markets.
$650/wk rent at $490k is one of the best risk-adjusted yield profiles in Australia for a town with genuine long-term employment. Woodside's Pluto LNG trains are 30+ year assets. Cashflow positive by $8,320/yr pre-cost. High income residents make for reliable tenants.
2026 median house data. Source: property.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
CoreLogic WA Q1 2025 · REIWA Karratha median Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Woodside investor presentation 2024 · Pilbara Regional Council housing report 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
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Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.