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

Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Karnup's population is estimated at around 2,750 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 654 people (31.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,096 people. The shift is inferred from the resident population of 2,744, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 85 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Karnup's 31.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 649 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 23.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Karnup has recorded around 65 residential properties granted approval per year, with an estimated 327 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 45 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $366,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $157,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Perth, Karnup records 228.0% more development activity (per person). which should provide buyers with ample choice. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 40 people per approval, Karnup reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Karnup will gain 643 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 43rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Lakelands Estate, The Gardens Estate - Lakelands, Lakelands Town Centre, and Lakelands Residential Development Stage 3, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Karnup has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Karnup has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 5.1%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,393 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical has limited presence with 3.0% employment compared to 8.2% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw labour force decreasing by 0.9% alongside a 2.9% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rise by 1.9 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.0%, labour force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Karnup. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Karnup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Karnup had a median income among taxpayers of $60,008 with the average level standing at $74,121. This is higher than average nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,567 (median) and $82,222 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Karnup cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 46.4% of locals (1,276 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen the region where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 73rd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Karnup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Karnup was lagging that of Perth metro, at 17.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (62.1%) or rented (20.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,857, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Karnup's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 85.6% of all households, comprising 46.8% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.4%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 49.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (36.6%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stops operating within Karnup comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual routes, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Karnup residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,557 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.8 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 74.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.5% of residents aged 65 and over (288 people), which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 72.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Karnup was found to be Christianity, which makes up 36.3% of people in Karnup. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Karnup are English, comprising 34.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.2%, and Scottish, comprising 6.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Karnup (vs 1.0% regionally), Maori at 2.3% (vs 0.9%) and New Zealand at 1.5% (vs 0.8%).

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

At 30 years, Karnup's median age is materially younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Karnup has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.8%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (6.1%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.3% to 15.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.8% to 17.5% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 10.3% to 8.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Karnup's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 95 people (41%) from 233 to 329. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 5% (12 people).