Kiara

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kiara 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, Kiara's estimated population is around 1,964 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 188 people (10.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,776 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,962, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. Kiara's population equates to a density ratio of 1,412 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kiara's growth rate of 10.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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, 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, Kiara is forecast to experience significant population increase, with an expected expansion of 613 persons to reach a total population of approximately 2,577 by the year 2041, reflecting a gain of 34.7% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kiara according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kiara has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Between financial year 2021 (FY-21) and financial year 2025 (FY-25), an estimated 2 homes were approved, with none yet approved in FY-26.

This low supply is outpaced by demand, which averages 156 new residents per home built over the past five years. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $518,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. Compared to Greater Perth, Kiara has significantly less development activity. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity in the area. The level of development is below the national average, suggesting Kiara's established nature and potential planning limitations.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. No projects identified by AreaSearch will impact this area. Notable initiatives are Bennett Springs East Structure Plan, St Relic - Caversham, Roe Estate, and future Bennett Springs East Station.

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Employment performance in Kiara has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kiara has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.8% as of June 2025. This rate is in line with Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%.

The employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There are currently 1,199 residents employed in Kiara, with workforce participation matching Greater Perth's figure of 65.2%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly specialized, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining is under-represented, with only 4.0% of Kiara's workforce compared to 7.0% in Greater Perth. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kiara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Kiara's median income at $55,454 and average income at $66,007. This is above the national average but lower than Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. By September 2025, adjusting for a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,328 (median) and $75,380 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Kiara's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 36th and 40th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.5% of locals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. Housing affordability is severe with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. Kiara's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Kiara's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro had 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Kiara's home ownership rate was 36.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiara was $1,625, lower than Perth metro's $1,842. Weekly rent in Kiara averaged $333, compared to Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Kiara's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $333 vs the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 31.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Kiara faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational qualifications in Kiara trail Australian benchmarks, with 20.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 25.5%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.7% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education. Kiara has two main educational institutions: Good Shepherd Catholic School and Kiara College, serving a total of 1,024 students. The area's ICSEA score is 940, indicating varied educational conditions. Kiara functions as an education hub with 52.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Kiara. These stops are serviced by a mix of buses along six individual routes, collectively providing 776 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kiara's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Kiara's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, reflecting a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~1,048 people) have private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (affecting 8.1% of residents) and arthritis (7.0%). A majority, 68.6%, report being free from medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Perth. As of a recent survey conducted on 15th March 20XX, the area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (327 people), which is higher than the 12.6% in Greater Perth. This aligns with the general population's health profile.

Kiara was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kiara's population showed high cultural diversity, with 24.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kiara, accounting for 49.8% of its population. Notably, Buddhism was more prevalent in Kiara at 5.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (19.8%), and Other (12.5%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Polish at 1.7% vs regional 0.8%, Vietnamese at 3.6% vs 1.6%, and Serbian at 0.6% vs 0.3%.

Kiara's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Kiara is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Kiara has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 age group (16.1% locally) but fewer people aged 35-44 (12.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in the 35-44 age group from 10.9% to 12.4%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 12.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Kiara. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 39%, adding 122 people and reaching a total of 439 from the current 316. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 7%, with an increase of only 6 residents.