Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Kalgoorlie's estimated population is around 3,978 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 267 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,711 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,852 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 984 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kalgoorlie's 7.2% growth since census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 58% 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 areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected. The Kalgoorlie SA2 is expected to increase by 400 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Kalgoorlie is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kalgoorlie averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 39 homes were approved, with 2 more in FY26 so far. Despite recent population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $246,000, under regional levels. This year, $22.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Kalgoorlie's construction activity is 23.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. New developments consist of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges.

With around 594 people per approval, Kalgoorlie shows a mature, established area. Future projections estimate an increase of 291 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Kalgoorlie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, KCGM's 800-bed workers accommodation camp, and Lot 101 Brookman Street Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Kalgoorlie significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kalgoorlie has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of September 2021.

Employment stability was relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,383 residents were in work with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was well beyond standard at 70.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries of employment among residents were mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Mining had an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented with only 0.0% of Kalgoorlie's workforce compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA. There were 1.1 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Employment levels increased by 0.0% during the year to September 2025 while labour force increased by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kalgoorlie. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes that does not take into account localised population projections.

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

Kalgoorlie suburb has a median taxpayer income of $71,612 and an average income of $82,974 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably high compared to Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $78,501 (median) and $90,956 (average). Census data indicates individual earnings in Kalgoorlie stand at the 89th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,175. Income analysis shows that 38.3% of residents (1,523 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the broader area where 31.1% are in this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kalgoorlie displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kalgoorlie, as per the latest Census, 70.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 30.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kalgoorlie stood at 18.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Kalgoorlie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.4% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.6%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 4.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

Kalgoorlie's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 22.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Kalgoorlie shows 30 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 individual routes that together provide 343 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Kalgoorlie is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Kalgoorlie shows better-than-average health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates of these conditions.

Approximately 60% (2,392 people) have private health cover, which is slightly lower than the Rest of WA's 63.6%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 7.1% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.1%. Notably, 74.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of WA's figure. Kalgoorlie has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.9% (433 people) compared to Rest of WA's 9.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Kalgoorlie 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

Kalgoorlie's population showed cultural diversity, with 22.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.0% born overseas by June 2016 Census. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 45.7%. The 'Other' religious category had 1.5%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, English (25.2%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (10.3%) were top groups. Notable differences existed for Maori (2.3% vs regional 3.3%), Filipino (4.1% vs 2.2%), and New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.5%).

Kalgoorlie's population is younger than the national pattern

Kalgoorlie's median age is 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation in Kalgoorlie at 22.8%, compared to the Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.7%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population in the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 20.2% to 22.8%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kalgoorlie's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 31% (284 people), reaching a total of 1,191 from the current figure of 906. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.