Kewdale

Population growth drivers in Kewdale are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Kewdale is around 8,294, reflecting a growth of 897 people since the 2021 Census. The population was recorded as 7,397 in the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 12.1% rise and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,254 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2024, along with an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 987 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kewdale's growth rate exceeded the national average of 9.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed around 78.0% 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 post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses 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, above median population growth is projected for Kewdale, with an expected increase of 1,073 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.4% 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 in Kewdale shows approximately 30 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 152 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed during this period is 5.2.

Demand exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $461,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, there have been $23,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Kewdale's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. The area has approximately 271 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kewdale is projected to gain 1,033 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected population growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kewdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Kewdale Freight Terminal Expansion, Forrestfield/High Wycombe Industrial Area, Perth Airport New Runway, and Carlisle Station Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Kewdale has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Kewdale has an educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

In September 2025, 4,545 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, similar to Greater Perth's rate. Workforce participation was lower at 69.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 6.0% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 12.6% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 14.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force by 2.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between 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.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The latest AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Kewdale's median income among taxpayers is $54,334, with an average of $63,689. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,561 (median) and $69,816 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Kewdale's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 41st and 49th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.0% of the community (2,902 individuals), similar to regional levels at 32.0%. 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). This contrasts with Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kewdale was 30.2%, matching the Perth metro rate. Mortgaged dwellings made up 32.2%, while rented dwellings accounted for 37.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kewdale was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Kewdale was $350, equal to Perth metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375.

Kewdale features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.0% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households making up 5.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

University qualifications are prevalent among Kewdale residents aged 15 and above, with 30.2% holding such credentials, slightly higher than the Western Australian average of 27.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 32.5% of residents aged 15 and above possessing trade or technical credentials.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 11.1% and certificates by 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.

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

Kewdale has 78 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 16 routes that together facilitate 3060 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 155 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars dominate at 80%, while 10% use buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

Only 6% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 437 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Kewdale is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Kewdale shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover rate is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,353 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 59.0%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.8%) and mental health issues (6.2%). A significant majority, 75.2%, report no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,376 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general 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 has a significant cultural diversity, with 40.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kewdale, comprising 39.3% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 17.6%, which is substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other at 21.2%, English at 20.9%, and Australian at 17.7%. Notably, Polish (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), Filipino (2.6% vs regional 1.4%), and Maori (1.1% vs regional 0.9%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Kewdale compared to the regional averages.

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 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Kewdale has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.3%). From the 2021 Census to present, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 7.7% to 8.7%, while the percentage of those aged 0-4 has decreased from 6.7% to 5.5%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Kewdale's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 76%, adding 327 residents to reach a total of 759. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 50% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, the cohorts aged 5-14 and 35-44 are projected to experience population declines.