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, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Kealy is around 2,699. This reflects an increase of 1,580 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,119 in the suburb. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,652 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 651 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 418 persons per square kilometer in Kealy. The suburb's growth rate of 141.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth for Kealy was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth across all areas 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). Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Kealy's top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 384 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall decrease of 39.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kealy among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately 64 new homes approved annually in Kealy. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 321 homes were approved, with an additional 65 approved so far in FY26.

On average, about 0.3 new residents per year have been associated with each new home over these five years, suggesting that supply has met or exceeded demand. This has provided greater buyer choice and supported potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes was approximately $423,000. Compared to the Rest of WA, Kealy has seen 303% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. This high level of activity also surpasses national averages, indicating strong developer confidence in the location.

The majority of new building activity, 96%, consists of detached houses, with only 4% being medium or high-density housing. This maintains Kealy's traditional low density character and appeals to those seeking family homes with space. With around 14 people per dwelling approval, Kealy exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Kealy has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 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 detailing those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Kealy significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kealy has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Tourism and hospitality are prominent sectors.

The unemployment rate is 2.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.6% in the past year. As of June 2025722 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is high at 74.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries include accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Kealy has a strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.8% versus the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, while labour force increased by 4.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, with unemployment falling 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Kealy. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against Kealy's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows income in Kealy is extremely high nationally. The median income is $62,976 and the average income stands at $83,171. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $57,323 and the average income is $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,919 (median) and $94,981 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kealy cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 40.6% of the community (1,095 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 56th percentile and the area'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

In Kealy, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kealy stood at 15.1%, with mortgaged dwellings 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 $1,733. The median weekly rent in Kealy was $420, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Kealy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (35.7%). Educational participation is high at 30.1%, comprising 13.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment area, requiring residents to access them in neighboring regions.

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

Kealy has three active public transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, two in total. Together, they facilitate 149 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents usually located 480 meters from the nearest stop. On average, services run 21 times daily across all routes, resulting in about 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kealy's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Kealy shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,625 people), compared to 52.6% across Rest of WA.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.0% and 8.2% of residents respectively. 74.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Rest of WA. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (194 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 lower 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 0.3% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.5%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, French (0.9%) and Dutch (1.9%) were also overrepresented in Kealy compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 1.7%, respectively.

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 the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Kealy has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (21.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (5.5%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.1% to 16.4% of Kealy's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.7% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 7.0% to 5.5%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 6.6% to 5.2%. Population forecasts for Kealy indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows no projected growth, adding 0 residents to reach a total of 0. Meanwhile, both the 75 to 84 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.