Kewdale

Population growth drivers in Kewdale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Kewdale is around 8,260, reflecting an increase of 863 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 7,397 in the suburb. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,258 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 983 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kewdale's population growth of 11.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and utilising growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate growth across all areas post-2032. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a slight increase below the national median for the suburb, with an expected expansion of 1,073 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.9% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Kewdale has recorded around 30 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 152 homes. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 5.2 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed.

Demand has significantly outpaced supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $461,000.

Additionally, $13.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. New building activity shows 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Kewdale reflects a transitioning market with around 271 people per approval. Looking ahead, Kewdale is expected to grow by 1,067 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction maintains a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Kewdale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Kewdale Freight Terminal Expansion, Forrestfield/High Wycombe Industrial Area development, Perth Airport New Runway project, and Carlisle Station Precinct Redevelopment. The following list outlines those considered 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.

Employment performance in Kewdale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kewdale has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of June 2025, which is 0.1% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. There were 4,577 residents in work while workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence at 12.6% compared to the regional level of 14.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force increased by 3.2%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7%, labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising slightly by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Kewdale. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kewdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Kewdale is $54,333, while the average income stands at $63,688. This contrasts with Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $62,048 (median) and $72,732 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kewdale, between the 41st and 49th percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 35.0% of locals (2,891 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Kewdale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.7% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had no houses or other dwellings recorded at the time of the Census. Home ownership in Kewdale was higher than that of Perth metro, with a rate of 30.2%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (37.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kewdale was $1,733, aligning with the Perth metro average. The median weekly rent figure for Kewdale was $350, whereas no figures were available for Perth metro at that time. Nationally, Kewdale's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kewdale features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households account for 65.0% of all households, including 29.0% that are couples with children, 23.7% that are couples without children, and 10.4% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

The educational profile of Kewdale exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Kewdale has 30.2% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, which is slightly higher than the Western Australian average of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (21.4%). Educational participation is high in Kewdale, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education. The three schools in Kewdale have a combined enrollment of 2,531 students, serving both local and surrounding communities with an average of 30.6 school places per 100 residents. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1033) and offers balanced educational opportunities, including two primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis indicates 76 active transport stops operating in Kewdale. These are served by a mix of buses across 16 routes, offering 3,129 weekly passenger trips collectively. Residential accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 447 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kewdale'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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Kewdale.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and near the nation's average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,335 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (6.8%) and mental health issues (6.2%). A significant majority, 75.2%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Perth. Kewdale has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,313 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Kewdale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kewdale's cultural diversity is notable, with 40.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 39.3%. Islam is overrepresented in Kewdale at 17.6%, compared to none across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.2%), English (20.9%), and Australian (17.7%). Some ethnic groups show significant divergence: Polish at 1.0% (vs none regionally), Filipino at 2.6% (none regionally), and Maori at 1.1% (none regionally).

Kewdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Kewdale's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Perth's average of 37. This is slightly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Kewdale has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (17.3%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 85 and over has increased from 1.9% to 2.7%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 0-4 has decreased from 6.7% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kewdale's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 80%, adding 337 residents to reach 759. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.