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 population is estimated at around 1,926 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 150 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,776 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,895 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,385 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Kiara has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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, 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast for Kiara, with an expected expansion of 620 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 37.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kiara has seen approximately 1 new home approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 5 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26.

This results in an average of 62.4 new residents per year for every home built during these years, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. Compared to Greater Perth, Kiara has less development activity, further strengthening demand and prices for existing properties due to scarcity of new ones. This is also below national averages, suggesting maturity of the area and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining Kiara's suburban character while attracting space-seeking buyers.

Future projections estimate Kiara will add 727 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially exacerbating buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Kiara has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Bennett Springs East Structure Plan, St Relic - Caversham, Roe Estate, and Bennett Springs East Station (Future), with the following list providing details on those most likely to be 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 Kiara has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kiara has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.9% and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.0% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,196 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is also on par with Greater Perth at 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Mining has limited presence, accounting for 4.0% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while labour force grew by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%. State-level data from WA as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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.

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

Kiara's suburb has an income level below the national average, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kiara is $55,454, with an average income of $66,007. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $60,789 and the average income $72,357, based on a 9.62% growth in wages since June 2023. Census data shows Kiara's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 36th and 40th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 33.5% of residents earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (645 people), which is consistent with broader trends in the area at 32.0%. Kiara faces severe housing affordability pressures, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. The suburb'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 housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, 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, below Perth metro's $1,842. Median weekly rent in Kiara was $333, compared to Perth metro's $340. Nationally, Kiara's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. 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

Kiara Trail's educational qualifications lag behind national benchmarks, with 20.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – 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.

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

Analysis of public transport in Kiara shows 18 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along six individual routes. Together, these routes provide a total of 793 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 113 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 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, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, impacting about 1,028 people. Mental health issues affect 8.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.0%. Approximately 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Perth. As of June 30, 20XX, 16.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (321 people), which is higher than the 12.6% in Greater Perth. This aligns broadly 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, speaking a language other than English at home, stood at 24.1%. Born overseas, 35.4% of Kiara's residents were recorded. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kiara, with 49.8%.

Buddhism, however, showed significant representation at 5.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.7%. Top ancestry groups included English (24.6%), Australian (19.8%), and Other (12.5%). Notably, Polish residents comprised 1.7% in Kiara versus the regional average of 0.8%. Vietnamese residents were at 3.6%, compared to a regional average of 1.6%. Serbian residents made up 0.6% of Kiara's population, while the regional figure was 0.3%.

Kiara's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Kiara is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Kiara has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds (16.1% locally) and an under-represented group of 35-44 year-olds (12.5%). According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.5% of Kiara's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Kiara. Notably, the 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 42%, adding 128 people and reaching a total of 439 from the current figure of 310.