Kewdale

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Kewdale's population is estimated at around 8,468 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,071 people (14.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,397 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,443, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,008 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. the suburb of Kewdale's 14.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% 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). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 985 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 11.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kewdale has recorded around 30 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling an estimated 152 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 5.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $461,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Also, $23,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Recent construction comprises 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 278 people per dwelling approval, Kewdale shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Kewdale will gain 960 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kewdale Freight Terminal Expansion, Forrestfield/High Wycombe Industrial Area, Perth Airport New Runway, and Carlisle Station Precinct Redevelopment, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment performance in Kewdale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kewdale features a well-educated workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and 1.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,600 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 6.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.6% versus the regional average of 14.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force increased by 2.0%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0% and labour force growth of 2.5%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kewdale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kewdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Kewdale's median income among taxpayers is $54,334, with an average of $63,689. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,273 (median) and $70,650 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kewdale, between the 41st and 49th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.0% of residents (2,963 people), reflecting patterns seen regional levels where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Kewdale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.7% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kewdale was in line with that of Perth metro, at 30.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (37.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Kewdale's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.0% of all households, comprising 29.0% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 10.4% 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people 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 in Kewdale (30.2% of residents aged 15+) edge above the WA average (27.9%), suggesting competitive educational foundations within the broader context. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 78 active transport stops operating within Kewdale comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 3,060 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 6.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 437 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover just leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,444 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.8 and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 75.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,346 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 40.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. The main religion in Kewdale was found to be Christianity, which makes up 39.3% of people in Kewdale. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 17.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kewdale are Other, comprising 21.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 11.2%, English, comprising 20.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%, and Australian, comprising 17.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Kewdale (vs 0.7% regionally), Filipino at 2.6% (vs 1.4%) and Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

Kewdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Kewdale's median age is nearly matching the Greater Perth average of 37 similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Kewdale has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (17.9%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (9.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.9% to 16.8% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 6.7% to 5.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Kewdale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 73%, adding 309 residents to reach 733. Senior residents (65+) will drive 50% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.