Karrinyup

Population growth drivers in Karrinyup are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Recent estimates as of May 2026 place the number of residents in the suburb of Karrinyup at approximately 11,292, drawing on national address validation and ABS updates. Compared to the 2021 Census count of 9,886, this represents a gain of 1,406 people, or 14.2%. The estimate is supported by AreaSearch analysis of the June 2025 ABS release showing 11,205 residents, supplemented by 127 validated new addresses established post-census. The suburb of Karrinyup features a population density of 1,745 residents per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical figure across assessed Australian communities. The growth rate of 14.2% since the 2021 Census outpaced both the national benchmark of 9.3% and the wider SA3 region, positioning the suburb of Karrinyup as a regional growth leader. This expansion was largely underpinned by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 67.0% of the overall population growth during recent times.

Projections for the suburb of Karrinyup incorporate statistical forecasts compiled by Geoscience Australia and the ABS in 2024 utilizing 2022 baseline metrics. For timeframes extending past 2032 or areas without direct coverage, estimates leverage demographic growth trends by age cohort from the 2023 ABS capital city projections. Driven by these anticipated demographic shifts, the suburb of Karrinyup is expected to experience population expansion above the national median, adding 1,430 residents by 2041 according to regional projections, which translates to an increase of 11.9% over a 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Karrinyup when compared nationally

Analysis of building approval statistics indicates that Karrinyup averages approximately 50 residential approvals per year, with 253 homes authorized over the 5 fiscal years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 238 approved during FY-26 to date. With an average of 4.1 new inhabitants per year for each home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, local housing supply falls short of demand, creating potential upward pressure on pricing due to heightened buyer competition. Approved new dwellings carry a mean valuation of $697,000, indicating that builders are focusing on the higher-end, premium tier of the market. Furthermore, local commercial approvals reached $47.5 million this fiscal year, pointing to active business investment in the area.

In comparison to the broader Perth metropolitan region, new residential approvals in Karrinyup are moderately higher, running 12.0% above the per-person average for the metropolitan area over the 5-year timeframe. This has helped maintain choices for buyers while supporting property values, despite a recent slowdown in building activity. Detached houses account for 74.0% of recent construction, with the remaining 26.0% consisting of townhouses or multi-dwelling apartments, a mix that preserves the traditional suburban feel and appeals to families wanting extra space. A ratio of approximately 435 residents per building approval indicates a mature housing market.

According to demographic forecasts, Karrinyup is projected to add 1,343 residents by 2041 when measured against the latest quarterly estimates. The current pipeline of residential development appears to align well with these future housing requirements, supporting balanced market conditions and preventing sharp escalations in property values.

Karrinyup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works play a significant role in shaping community outcomes. A total of 18 active projects have been identified as having a potential impact on the local area. Notable initiatives include the West Village development, the Karrinyup Bus Depot Transformation, the Stirling City Centre Sports Precinct, and the Bold Park Community Facilities Upgrade, with key details of these major projects provided below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Karrinyup performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Karrinyup is characterized by a highly educated resident workforce with a strong concentration of professionals, a low unemployment rate of 2.0%, and a 4.2% annual growth in total employment. As of March 2026, the employed resident population stands at 6,114, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.2 percentage points below the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force matches the metropolitan average of 70.2% closely. Census records show that a modest 13.0% of local workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions during the pandemic.

The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical services, and education and training. The local workforce exhibits a high concentration in professional and technical services, representing 1.5 times the average share for the broader metropolitan region. Conversely, manufacturing jobs employ only 2.8% of the local workforce, compared to 5.5% across Greater Perth. The dominant residential character of the area means that local employment opportunities are limited, as shown by the disparity between the count of local jobs and the number of working residents.

Based on labor market and census datasets for the year ending March 2026, the number of employed residents grew by 4.2% while the total labor force expanded by 4.5%, leading to a minor increase in the unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. During the same period, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.0% and the labor force grow by 2.5%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 offer guidance on future job trends in Karrinyup by matching local industry structures with projected national growth. While total employment across Australia is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among Karrinyup residents could expand by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in localized population adjustments.

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

Tax statistics from the financial year 2023 highlight that personal incomes in the suburb of Karrinyup are exceptionally high on a national scale. The median income among taxpayers is $65,850, and the average income is $94,089, compared to the Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, local income estimates are approximately $73,047 for the median and $104,373 for the average as of March 2026. Census figures place household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Karrinyup in the upper tiers nationally, falling between the 77th and 89th percentiles. The largest income group comprises 28.0% of local residents, or 3,161 people, who receive over $4000 weekly, contrasting with the wider metropolitan region where the largest cohort of 32.0% falls between $1,500 and $2,999. High-income earners making over $3,000 weekly make up 41.7% of the area, indicating substantial financial capacity. Housing costs represent 13.4% of total income, while strong weekly earnings place residents in the 90th percentile for disposable income, and the local SEIFA income index ranks in the 9th decile.

Karrinyup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

At the time of the most recent census, the housing mix in Karrinyup consisted of 86.9% separate houses and 13.1% alternative formats such as townhouses, apartments, and semi-detached properties, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative formats across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership rates in Karrinyup are high at 40.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (40.9%) or renters (18.9%). The median mortgage repayment of $2,588 per month is higher than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent is $450, compared to $350 for the metro area. On a national scale, mortgage payments in Karrinyup are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent is above the national average of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households in Karrinyup at 77.0%, consisting of couples with children at 41.5%, couples without children at 26.2%, and single-parent households at 8.3%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 23.0%, consisting of lone-person households at 20.2% and group shared households at 2.9%. The median household size stands at 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the average of 2.6 for Greater Perth.

Educational achievement in Karrinyup places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Residents of Karrinyup demonstrate high rates of educational attainment, with 41.7% of those aged 15 and older holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across Western Australia and 29.0% in the local SA4 region. This education profile supports participation in knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational and technical training is also well represented, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 and older holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 16.0%.

Participation in study is high throughout Karrinyup, with 29.7% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This comprises 10.0% of residents attending secondary school, 9.8% in primary school, and 5.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport services in Karrinyup include 70 active bus stops. These stops accommodate 7 distinct routes, which support a combined total of 815 weekly passenger trips. Local transit access is good, with residents living an average of 211 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 81%, followed by trains at 12%. Households average 1.6 vehicles. A relatively low 13.0% of employed residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect conditions during the pandemic.

Public transport routes in the area average 116 daily trips across the network, which translates to approximately 11 departures per week at each individual stop.

Karrinyup's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health indicators in Karrinyup show positive outcomes, with low rates of chronic illness and mortality relative to national averages, matching typical figures for older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 65% of the population, or 7,288 people, holding cover, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most common medical issues reported, affecting 7.0% and 6.9% of residents. Conversely, 72.1% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and older represent 20.6% of the population, or 2,326 people, which is higher than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. While senior health outcomes are favorable overall, their national rankings are slightly lower than those of the younger local demographic.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Karrinyup was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Karrinyup exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most Australian local areas, with 13.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 28.8% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, accounting for 50.1% of the population. The most distinct religious concentration is Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the local population, matching the 0.3% average for Greater Perth.

The primary ancestries reported by residents are English at 28.7%, Australian at 24.1%, and Irish at 8.9%. Certain ethnic backgrounds show higher representation in Karrinyup than the wider metropolitan region, including South Australian backgrounds at 1.3% of the population compared to 1.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% compared to 0.7%, and Croatian at 1.2% compared to 0.8%.

Karrinyup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Karrinyup is 41 years, making it older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 75 to 84 age bracket is overrepresented at 8.8% of the local population compared to metropolitan averages, while young adults aged 25 to 34 are underrepresented at 8.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.3% to 13.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 7.3% to 8.8%. In contrast, children aged 0 to 4 declined from 6.4% to 5.1%, and the 65 to 74 group fell from 9.6% to 8.4%. Demographic models suggest significant shifts by 2041, with the 85 and older cohort expected to grow by 113%, adding 432 people to reach a total of 816. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to account for 56% of local population growth, while declines are anticipated among children aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14.