Kelmscott

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Kelmscott's population is estimated at around 11,202 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 627 people (5.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,575 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,164, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 744 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.0% 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Kelmscott. The suburb is expected to grow by 1,010 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Kelmscott has seen approximately 30 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY21 and FY25, around 151 homes were granted approval, with an additional 17 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 2.2 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years.

New homes are built at an estimated cost of $311,000 each. This year, Kelmscott has recorded $7.8 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Perth, Kelmscott's building activity is 75.0% lower per person. The area's residential character is maintained with 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% medium and high-density housing. As of now, there are an estimated 382 people in the area per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Kelmscott is projected to grow by 971 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Building activity is aligning with these growth projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Armadale Strategic Metropolitan Centre Redevelopment, Kelmscott District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Kelmscott Senior High School Sports Hall and Arts Centre, and West of Rail Precinct. The following list details those projects 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 labour market performance in Kelmscott lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Kelmscott has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 8.5% in September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 5,462 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is 0.6 percentage points above Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Kelmscott lags at 64.1% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 5.2% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing is notably concentrated with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.6% of Kelmscott's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force increased by 1.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelmscott's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was just below the national average for that year, which was $60,748 median and $80,248 average, with Greater Perth's figures being $60,748 median and $80,248 average. By September 2025, based on a 9.62% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index growth rate, estimated incomes for Kelmscott would be approximately $58,011 median and $73,013 average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kelmscott fell between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that 29.8% of Kelmscott's community earned between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,338 individuals), which was consistent with regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, 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

The dwelling structure in Kelmscott, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelmscott was at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.4% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure was $290, compared to Perth metro's $350. 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 comprise 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 2.6.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 13 routes serving 1,543 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 212 meters to the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car is dominant at 84%, while train use stands at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.2% work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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

Health performance in Kelmscott is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelmscott faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 54% of Kelmscott's total population (~6,080 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 64.5% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, lower than Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Kelmscott has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with rankings generally in line with the broader population.

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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 12.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelmscott, accounting for 42.8% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.2%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, English was the most represented group at 33.4%, significantly higher than the regional average of 28.0%. Australian ancestry followed with 24.1%, and Other stood at 8.4%. Dutch ancestry was notably overrepresented in Kelmscott at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Welsh ancestry was also slightly overrepresented at 0.8% versus 0.7% regionally, as was Maori ancestry at 1.1% against the regional average of 0.9%.

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, and marginally higher than Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Kelmscott at 11.1%, compared to the Greater Perth average, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 7.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 12.3% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kelmscott's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 483 people (57%), from 851 to 1,335. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting Kelmscott's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.