Karnup

Karnup lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Karnup's population is estimated at around 2,773 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 677 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,096 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,524 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 209 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer. Karnup's growth rate of 32.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 52.0% 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 these projections, a significant population increase is forecast for Karnup, with an expected growth of 711 persons to reach a total population of 3,484 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 16.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Karnup among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Karnup averaged around 65 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 327 homes were approved, with another 26 approved so far in FY26. This translates to about 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $366,000, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY26, there have been $157,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Karnup's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Karnup has 233.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and demonstrating strong developer confidence in the area. All new construction in Karnup consists of standalone homes, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with around 37 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Karnup is expected to grow by approximately 462 residents, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding growth forecasts.

Looking ahead, Karnup is expected to grow by 462 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

Karnup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 20 projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. Among these key projects are The Gardens Estate - Lakelands, Lakelands Town Centre, Lakelands Residential Development Stage 3, and METRONET Karnup Station Precinct. The following list details those projects 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 landscape in Karnup shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Karnup has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent with an unemployment rate of 4.3% and estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,432 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Karnup stands at 79.6%, exceeding Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census data shows that 10.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.0% compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Over the year to September 2025, Karnup's employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9% and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karnup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Karnup has an income level above the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Karnup is $60,008, with an average income of $74,121. This compares to figures for Greater Perth of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,781 (median) and $81,251 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Karnup cluster around the 69th percentile nationally for households, families, and personal incomes. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 46.4% of residents (1,286 people), mirroring the broader area where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 73rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Karnup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Karnup's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings like semi-detached homes, apartments, or others. This contrasts with Perth metro's structure which was 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Karnup's home ownership rate stood at 17.9%, lower than Perth metro's, with mortgaged dwellings at 62.1% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Karnup was $1,857, below the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Karnup was $370, higher than Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Karnup's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Karnup features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 85.6% of all households, including 46.8% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for 14.4%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households making up 1.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Karnup demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates of 13.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 49.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (36.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.2% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

Karnup has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This stop services mixed bus routes, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1211 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation is car at 86%, with train at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 415 weekly trips per individual stop.

Karnup's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Karnup shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 57% (1,570 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.8% and 7.2% respectively. 74.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes. Karnup has 316 seniors (11.4%), lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings.

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

Karnup's population is culturally diverse, with 83.5% being citizens, 72.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 36.3%. However, Karnup has an overrepresentation of Other religions, comprising 0.8% compared to Greater Perth's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, English (34.4%) and Australian (28.3%) are significantly higher than regional averages of 28.0% and 21.2%, respectively. Scottish ancestry is also notable at 6.2%. South African (1.9%), Maori (2.3%), and New Zealand (1.5%) ethnicities show significant divergences from regional averages of 1.0%, 0.9%, and 0.8% respectively.

Karnup hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Karnup's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Karnup has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.6%) compared to Greater Perth but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 12.3% to 14.4%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.8% to 16.2%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 10.3% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Karnup's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 91 people (77%), from 119 to 211. Conversely, numbers in the 0-4 age range are expected to fall by 2.