Kalgoorlie

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Kalgoorlie is around 4,022. This figure reflects an increase of 311 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,711. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,936, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 995 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kalgoorlie's 8.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both 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 overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for Kalgoorlie, with an expected increase of 409 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.4% 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 recorded approximately seven residential properties granted approval annually. Between financial years 2021 to 2025, around 39 homes were approved, with two more in the current year up to June 2026.

The population decline has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with diverse buyer choices. The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $246,000, below the regional average, suggesting affordable housing options. Compared to the rest of WA, Kalgoorlie shows slightly higher development activity, at 23.0% above the regional average per person over five years, while remaining below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. The dwelling approval mix comprises 56.0% detached dwellings and 44.0% medium to high-density housing, offering options across various price points.

With approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, Kalgoorlie reflects an established area. Future projections estimate a population increase of 256 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace despite potential growing competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), KCGM's 800-bed workers accommodation camp, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, 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.

Kalgoorlie ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Kalgoorlie has a skilled labour force with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.3%.

This is below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, with workforce participation at 70.4% compared to the regional average of 59.4%. Major employment industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining has particularly high representation, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing show lower representation at 0.0% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

There are 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating that Kalgoorlie functions as an employment hub. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.6%, alongside a 2.6% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Kalgoorlie's employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 financial year 2022 shows Kalgoorlie's median income among taxpayers is $71,612, with an average of $82,974. This is significantly higher than the national averages and compares 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 Kalgoorlie would be approximately $81,781 (median) and $94,756 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Kalgoorlie stand out at the 89th percentile nationally ($1,175 weekly). Income brackets indicate 38.3% of the population (1,540 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and placing the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 5th 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 while 30.0% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with 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. The median weekly rent was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's figures of $280 for rent. Nationally, Kalgoorlie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 against 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 comprise 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, which is 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 Australian benchmarks, with 22.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 15.7% of residents, 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 at 8.0% and certificates at 29.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education. Kalgoorlie's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,021 students as of the latest data, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 989) offering balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions. As an education hub, Kalgoorlie offers 50.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

A total of 30 active public transport stops are currently operating within Kalgoorlie. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 8 individual routes in operation. Collectively, these routes provide 343 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 49 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, this prevalence is higher among older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Kalgoorlie's total population (2,418 people) have private health cover, which is slightly lower than the Rest of WA's average of 62.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.1% and 6.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 74.9% of Kalgoorlie residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Rest of WA's figure of 74.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.8%, with 434 people falling into this category compared to Rest of WA's 9.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Kalgoorlie require more attention than the broader population, presenting some challenges.

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, as of the 2016 Census, had 22.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 45.7%. The 'Other' religious category was slightly higher in Kalgoorlie at 1.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 1.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (25.2%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (10.3%). 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%) ethnic groups.

Kalgoorlie's population is younger than the national pattern

Kalgoorlie has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 22.8%, compared to Rest of WA's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.6%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.2% to 22.8% of Kalgoorlie's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 11.8%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kalgoorlie's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching a total of 1,195 people from its current figure of 917. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.