Kalbarri

Kalbarri 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 ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Kalbarri's estimated population is around 1,517. This reflects an increase of 39 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,478. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,499 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 10.9 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below Australia's regional median, with Kalbarri expected to increase by 88 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 4.6% over the 17 years.

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

Kalbarri has averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 26 homes. In FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded.

On average, around 0.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved in Kalbarri during the past five financial years. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Kalbarri is $373,000, slightly above the regional average. Compared to the Rest of WA, Kalbarri shows 18.0% lower construction activity per person.

However, it ranks among the 74th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Building activity has accelerated in recent years, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Kalbarri's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (81.0%), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With approximately 167 people per approval, Kalbarri reflects a low-density area. Future projections estimate that Kalbarri will add around 70 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kalbarri has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this region. Notable projects include WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, Regional And Rural Wa Road Network Safety Improvements, WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP), and Western Australia Coastal Hazards Adaptation. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Kalbarri shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kalbarri has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%.

Over the past year, employment stability was relative. As of September 2025742 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation lags at 50.3%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include accommodation & food, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 6.5% compared to Rest of WA's 11.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period, employment and labour force remained stable by 0.0%, leaving unemployment flat. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kalbarri. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kalbarri's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Kalbarri had a median taxpayer income of $48,415 and an average income of $63,851. These figures are slightly below the national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average). Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,290 (median) and $72,918 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Kalbarri's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 8th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 27.5% of Kalbarri's population falls within the $400-$799 income range, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 31.1%. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Kalbarri's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kalbarri stood at 46.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Kalbarri was $258, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Kalbarri's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 41.0% couples without children, and 5.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Kalbarri faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (35.5%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows one active transport stop operating within Kalbarri. It offers a mix of bus services. Two individual routes service this stop, collectively providing six weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2389 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kalbarri is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kalbarri faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Kalbarri is approximately 53%, which is higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.9% and 7.3% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point seven percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Rest of WA. Kalbarri has a higher percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 27.4%, with 415 people in this age group compared to the Rest of WA's 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Kalbarri ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kalbarri's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (80.6%), and speaking English only at home (96.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Kalbarri, comprising 42.2% of people. However, Buddhism appears overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, with 2.0% versus 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (37.3%, regional average 30.7%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notable divergences include New Zealanders at 0.8% in Kalbarri compared to 0.6% regionally, Germans at 4.2% versus 2.7%, and Russians at 0.3% versus 0.1%.

Kalbarri ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kalbarri's median age is 52, which exceeds the Rest of WA figure of 40 and is above Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Kalbarri has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (17.8%) while those aged 5-14 are under-represented (8.4%). This concentration of people aged 65-74 is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 8.6% to 9.6%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 20.2% to 18.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kalbarri's age structure. The number of people aged 25 to 34 is projected to increase by 95 (65%) from 145 to 241. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 85+ and 65 to 74.