Boulder

Boulder is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Boulder's population is estimated at around 5,255 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 383 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,872 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,244, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,194 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Boulder's 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth which contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The suburb is expected to grow by 341 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Boulder according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Boulder had around 5 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 27 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. This results in an average of 8.3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $538,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of WA, Boulder records about 65% of building activity per person and places among the 17th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, expanding affordable compact alternatives. Boulder has around 949 people per approval, showing a mature, established area. Future projections estimate Boulder adding 341 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Boulder has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could significantly impact the area due to changes in local infrastructure. Key projects include Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility, Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Workers Lifestyle Village, and Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project. The following list details those most likely to be relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

While Boulder retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Boulder has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,661 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% compared to Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation stands at 62.2%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include mining, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Mining is a significant employer, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.1% of local workers, lower than Rest of WA's 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, with employment down 3.4%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Boulder. National employment is forecast to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Boulder's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022 shows Boulder's median income among taxpayers is $66,394, with an average of $78,694. This places Boulder among the highest in Australia when compared to Rest of WA's median of $57,323 and average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $75,822 as of September 2025, with an average of $89,869. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally are $1,019 weekly. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates in Boulder, with 38.5% of residents (2,023 people). This aligns with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Boulder is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Boulder's residential structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Boulder stood at 22.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,302, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Boulder was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Boulder's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Boulder features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households making up 4.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Boulder fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.3%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 7.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (39.7%).

Educational participation is high at 35.7%, including 16.1% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. Boulder's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 545 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 971, indicating balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 3 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.4, below the regional average of 17.6, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Boulder's public transport analysis shows that there are 32 active transport stops currently operating within the city. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of five individual routes in operation. The combined weekly passenger trips provided by these routes amount to 132.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 220 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

Boulder's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Boulder residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, although higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 58% of Boulder's total population of 3,071 has private health cover, compared to 62.3% across the Rest of WA.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.7% and 7.4% of residents respectively, while 72.0% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.9% in the Rest of WA. The area has 520 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 9.9% of its population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Boulder records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Boulder's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region, with 72.0% citizens, 78.2% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 40.3%. Buddhism, at 1.3%, is slightly overrepresented compared to Rest of WA's 1.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.9%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (7.0%). Notable divergences include Maori at 3.5% (vs regional 3.3%), New Zealand at 1.6% (vs 1.5%), and Australian Aboriginal at 6.8% (vs 8.6%).

Boulder's population is younger than the national pattern

Boulder's median age is 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.9% of Boulder's population, compared to a lower percentage in the Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.2% to 16.9%, and the 15-24 cohort has grown from 11.9% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Boulder's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 1,261 people from the current 888. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 75-84 age groups are expected to decrease in number.