Kealy

Kealy 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Kealy's estimated population is around 2,014. This reflects an increase of 895 people (80.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,119 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,014, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 651 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 312 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kealy's 80.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast. The suburb of Kealy is expected to grow by 438 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kealy averaged around 59 new dwelling approvals each year. Approximately 296 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 60 so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of only 0.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average value of new homes being built is $423,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, there have been $5.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of WA, Kealy records 275.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 41 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Kealy should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Kealy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Vasse Estate, Vasse Dunsborough Link, City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, and Busselton Margaret River Airport Expansion, with the following list outlining those most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Kealy positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Kealy has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominence in tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.9%.

Residents' employment rate is below Rest of WA's by 0.7%, with participation rate at 51.3%. Home-based work accounts for a low 4.4% of jobs, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries include accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Kealy has a strong specialization in accommodation & food (1.8 times regional level), but limited presence in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.8% vs 9.3%).

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, labour force by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.4% and unemployment fall of 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kealy's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% in five years and 12.0% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Kealy suburb had median taxpayer income of $62,976 and average income of $83,171. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of WA's $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). Based on 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $69,034, with average income around $91,172. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Kealy cluster at the 64th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 40.6% (817 people) of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to regional levels at 31.1%. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile nationally. Kealy's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Kealy, 92.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kealy stood at 15.1%, with mortgaged properties at 61.5% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,781, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Kealy was recorded as $420, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Kealy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.0% of all households, including 37.2% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Kealy shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (35.7%). Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.1% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows three active transport stops operating within Kealy. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing a total of 149 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 480 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kealy'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 Kealy shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 60%, compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA. Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 9.0% and 8.2% respectively. 74.1% report no medical ailments, higher than the 69.3% across Rest of WA. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes. Kealy has 6.6% residents aged 65 and over (132 people), lower than Rest of WA's 19.2%. Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

Kealy ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kealy's population showed low cultural diversity, with 80.6% born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 31.2%. Hinduism, however, was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, French (0.9%) and Dutch (1.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 1.5%, respectively. New Zealanders also made up a larger proportion at 1.1%.

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

Kealy has a median age of 30, which is younger than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Kealy has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (22.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (5.6%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.1% to 16.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.7% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 14.1%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 6.6% to 4.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Kealy. The 85+ age group is projected to remain unchanged with no additional residents, while both the 25 to 34 and 75 to 84 age groups are expected to decrease in number.