Kelmscott

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kelmscott reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Kelmscott statistical area (Lv2) is around 11,190. This reflects an increase of 615 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,575. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 11,164 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 744 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in the Kelmscott (SA2) was overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, the Kelmscott statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by around 1,010 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 8.8% over the 17-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This anticipated growth aligns with the median population dynamics expected for statistical areas across the nation.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kelmscott recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kelmscott has around 30 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 151 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY26. Each new home constructed attracted an average of 2.2 people per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $311,000. This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Kelmscott records significantly lower building activity, at 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Kelmscott's activity is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (86.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (14.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 382 people, reflecting Kelmscott's quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kelmscott is expected to grow by 984 residents through to 2041, with building activity keeping pace with these growth projections despite potential increased competition among buyers as the population grows.

Kelmscott has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Armadale Strategic Metropolitan Centre Redevelopment, Kelmscott District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Kelmscott Senior High School Sports Hall and Arts Centre, West of Rail Precinct. The following list details 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.

The labour market performance in Kelmscott lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Kelmscott's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 8.5% in September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%. As of September 2025, 5,462 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate remained high at 9.7%, compared to Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower, at 58.6% versus Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing had notable concentration, with levels 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical jobs were under-represented at 4.6% compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by 1.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National forecasts projected total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Kelmscott's employment mix suggested a slower growth rate of 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Kelmscott had a median taxpayer income of $52,920 and an average income of $66,606 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Kelmscott would be approximately $58,011 and $73,013 respectively, factoring a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023. Census figures from 2021 show household, family, and personal incomes in Kelmscott falling between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 captures 29.8% of Kelmscott's population (3,334 individuals), which aligns with broader trends across regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kelmscot, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

In Kelmscott, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.4% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In contrast, Perth metropolitan area had 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelmscott stood at 31.2%, with mortgaged properties at 41.4% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,750. Median weekly rent in Kelmscott was $290, compared to Perth metro's $305. Nationally, Kelmscott's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kelmscott features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.6% of all households, including 25.1% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Kelmscott shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high at 29.1%, with 10.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kelmscott has 98 active public transport stops, a mix of train and bus stations. These are served by 13 routes offering 1,543 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 212 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 220 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kelmscott is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelmscott faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~6,002 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.9%. 64.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.1% across Greater Perth. As of August 2021, 20.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,282 people), which is higher than the 12.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Kelmscott was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 12.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kelmscott, making up 42.8% of people there, compared to Greater Perth's average of 40.9%. The category 'Other' shows an overrepresentation in Kelmscott with 1.2%, compared to 3.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Kelmscott are English at 33.4%, Australian at 24.1%, and Other at 8.4%. Notably, Dutch (2.6%) and Welsh (0.8%) populations are higher than regional averages of 2.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Maori representation is equal to the regional average at 1.1%.

Kelmscott's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kelmscott has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Comparing Kelmscott's demographics with the Greater Perth average, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented at 10.9%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 13.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 7.2% of Kelmscott's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Kelmscott's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 530 people (66%), increasing from 805 to 1,336 individuals. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 81% of Kelmscott's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.