Clarkson

Population growth drivers in Clarkson are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Clarkson has an estimated population of approximately 15,932 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,028 people (14.6%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 13,904 people. The figure is derived from a resident population of 15,921, estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 339 validated new addresses post-Census. This population size corresponds to a density of 2,451 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the upper quartile of nationwide locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Clarkson's 14.6% expansion since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate (9.3%) and the SA4 region, making it a regional growth leader. Population gains in the area were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 56.99999999999999% of the overall population increases in recent times.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 areas lacking this data, and to project expansion across all areas beyond 2032, AreaSearch uses age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Looking at upcoming population patterns, the suburb of Clarkson is projected to experience growth slightly below the median of statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch, with the suburb of Clarkson expected to increase by 769 persons to 2041 under combined SA2-level projections, representing a total rise of 4.8% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Clarkson was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Clarkson averages approximately 83 annual dwelling approvals, with 419 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 161 during the current FY-26 so far. With an average of 4 new residents arriving per constructed home annually over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the volume of supply remains well below demand, which typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices, even as new houses are constructed at an average value of $357,000—moderately higher than regional figures—signaling a focus on quality builds. Furthermore, $12.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded during this financial year, pointing to steady commercial building activity.

Relative to Greater Perth, Clarkson registers about half the volume of residential building approvals per resident, though it ranks in the 84th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, and construction activity has recently gained momentum. Recent building approvals consist of 81.0% freestanding houses and 19.0% medium and high-density dwellings, preserving the traditional outer-suburban feel with a focus on family-centric properties for those desiring extra space. With a ratio of approximately 117 people for each dwelling approval, Clarkson exhibits the hallmarks of a developing area.

Future forecasts indicate Clarkson will add 758 residents by 2041 (calculated from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). Based on current construction trends, new housing completions should easily accommodate this demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially supporting population growth above existing projections.

Clarkson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure updates, major construction projects, and zoning plans have a significant impact on local growth. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects in total that are expected to affect this area. Notable developments include the Alkimos to Wanneroo Desalination Pipeline, Catalina Plaza Neighbourhood Centre, Catalina Estate, and Wanneroo Road Corridor Improvements, with the list below highlighting the most relevant ones.

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.

Employment conditions in Clarkson remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Clarkson possesses a qualified workforce with a strong presence in industrial and manufacturing fields, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 3.1% based on AreaSearch's compiled statistical area data. In March 2026, 9,105 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate stood 1.8% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor force participation was standard (74.9% vs. 70.2% in Greater Perth). Census records indicate a minor 6.9% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Resident employment is heavily concentrated in retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. The local workforce shows a particularly high concentration in construction, which is 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 5.9% of local workers, compared to 8.2% across Greater Perth. The largely residential community seems to provide few local employment options, as shown by comparing the count of working residents with the local jobs census.

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from wider areas, the year ending March 2026 saw employment expand by 3.1% and the labor force grow by 3.8%, which led to a 0.7 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0% and labor force growth of 2.5%, with its unemployment rate rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Clarkson. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to estimate future patterns. Although nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the expected growth rates vary considerably by industry. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clarkson's workforce profile suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Clarkson recorded a median taxpayer income of $55,297 and an average taxpayer income of $70,749. This exceeds the national average, while comparing to Greater Perth figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $61,341 (median) and $78,482 (average) as of March 2026. Census findings show household, family, and individual incomes in Clarkson cluster around the 52nd percentile nationwide. Income profiling shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 39.1% of residents (6,229 people), which mirrors the broader region where 32.0% fall into this range. Affordability pressures are high, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income score falls in the 4th decile.

Clarkson is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Residential property types in Clarkson at the time of the latest Census consisted of 89.3% standalone houses and 10.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metro area. The level of home ownership in Clarkson lagged behind the metropolitan average at 15.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (52.8%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, compared to metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Clarkson's mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national average of $375.

Clarkson has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households represent the vast majority of homes at 74.3%, consisting of 32.9% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 17.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.7%, with single-person households at 22.2% and share houses making up 3.5%. The median household size of 2.6 residents aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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

Educational attainment in Clarkson is lower than regional averages, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights scope for educational development and vocational training. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational training is highly represented, with 41.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (29.0%).

Enrollment rates in education are high, with 30.3% of local residents currently undertaking formal study. This comprises 11.2% in primary schools, 7.6% in high schools, and 4.5% in higher education institutions.

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

Public transit analysis indicates there are 70 active transport stops operating within Clarkson, consisting of both trains and buses. These stops are served by 20 distinct routes, which carry a combined 2,783 passenger trips per week. Transport links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 236 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area; private vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel at 77%, with 15% commuting by train. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars. A relatively low 6.9% of residents worked from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting pandemic circumstances).

Transit service frequency averages 397 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 39 weekly trips for each individual stop.

Clarkson's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Clarkson's public health indicators are close to national averages, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality data and chronic illness rates, showing a standard occurrence of common medical conditions in both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,808 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most prevalent health issues in the locality were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 9.6 and 7.6% of residents, respectively, whereas 72.4% of the population reported no chronic conditions at all, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Health profiles for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and older make up 13.0% of the population (2,071 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth level of 16.1%. Seniors in the area enjoy above-average health outcomes, with national comparisons ranking even higher than those of the general local population.

Clarkson was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clarkson displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 21.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 44.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion in the area, practiced by 41.0% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 1.6% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (parents' country of birth), the three largest groups in Clarkson are English at 30.1% of the population, Australian at 19.4%, and Other at 12.3%. There are also notable differences in the representation of other ethnic backgrounds: South Australian ancestry is overrepresented at 2.0% of Clarkson (compared to 1.0% across the region), Welsh ancestry is at 1.0% (compared to 0.7%), and Maori ancestry is at 1.6% (compared to 0.9%).

Clarkson hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Clarkson's median age is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Clarkson has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (16.7%) but fewer aged 75 - 84 (3.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 6.1% to 8.2% of the population. In contrast, the 0 to 4 group decreased from 7.7% to 6.3% and the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.8% to 11.4%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate significant changes for Clarkson. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow the fastest at 101%, adding 576 residents to reach 1,150. Older residents (65+) are expected to account for 81% of total population growth, highlighting local aging trends. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age brackets.