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

As of Nov 2025, Karnup's population is estimated at around 2,773. This reflects an increase of 677 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,096. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,524 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 209 validated new addresses since the Census date. Karnup's growth rate of 32.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both national average (9.7%) and state averages. Interstate migration contributed approximately 52.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors. AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilised ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Projected demographic shifts indicate significant population increase in Karnup statistical area (Lv2), with an expected growth of 711 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.7% over the 17 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, Karnup has averaged around 65 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 327 homes were approved, with a further 26 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $366,000, which is moderately above regional levels. Karnup has seen $157,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Karnup has 233.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. This activity is well above the national average, indicating 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, Karnup exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Karnup is expected to grow by 462 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Twenty projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, with key ones being The Gardens Estate - Lakelands, Lakelands Town Centre, Lakelands Residential Development Stage 3, and METRONET Karnup Station Precinct. The following list details those likely to be 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.

The employment landscape in Karnup shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Karnup's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with high representation.

In the past year, ending September 2025, Karnup had an unemployment rate of 4.3% and employment growth of 3.5%. As of September 2025, 1,432 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, exceeding Greater Perth's rate by 0.4 percentage points. Workforce participation was higher at 70.4% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction was particularly strong with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 3.0%, compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparisons between working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.5% while labour force grew by 5.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9%, labour force expand by 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Statewide, as of 25-November 2025, Western Australian employment had contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, lagging the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected a 6.6% increase 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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, and the average income stands at $74,121. In comparison, Greater Perth's figures are $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Karnup would be approximately $65,781 (median) and $81,251 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Karnup cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 46.4% of residents (1,286 people), which is similar to 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. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (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 'other' types. This contrasts with Perth metro which had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karnup stood at 17.9%, with mortgaged properties at 62.1% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,857, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Karnup was $370, compared to Perth metro's $330. 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 account for 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 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 is 3.0 people, which 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 has university qualification rates of 13.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 36.6%. Educational participation is high, with 32.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.2% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates one active transport stop operating within Karnup. This stop services a mix of buses along one individual route, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1211 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 415 weekly trips per individual stop.

Karnup's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Karnup, with younger cohorts particularly experiencing a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 57% (~1,570 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is notably high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.8 and 7.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. Karnup has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.7% (296 people), compared to the 15.6% in Greater Perth. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader 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's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 83.5% citizens, 72.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Karnup, practiced by 36.3%. The 'Other' category is slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.7%.

Top ancestry groups are English (34.4%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (6.2%). Notable differences include South African (1.9% vs regional 1.1%), Maori (2.3% vs 2.0%), and New Zealand (1.5% vs 1.2%) groups.

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

Karnup has a median age of 30 years, which is younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Karnup has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.6% to 13.5%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 12.3% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 19.8% to 16.9%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 10.3% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Karnup's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 111 people (111%), growing from 99 to 211 residents. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting Karnup's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is projected to decrease by 4 residents.