South Boulder

An assessment of population growth drivers in South Boulder 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, the estimated population of South Boulder as of Feb 2026 is around 1,602. This reflects an increase of 96 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,506 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,600 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 204 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, South Boulder has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected for South Boulder, with the area expected to grow by 129 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

South Boulder shows minimal construction activity with less than one new dwelling approved annually over the five-year period ending 2018. This results in a total of one dwelling being approved during this time. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand.

It is important to note that the small sample size means individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics. South Boulder naturally has much lower development activity compared to the Rest of WA. The development pattern in South Boulder is also well below national averages.

South Boulder has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility, Workers Lifestyle Village, Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), and Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project. Relevant details of these projects follow.

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 drivers in South Boulder are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

South Boulder has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. Its unemployment rate stands at 5.7%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025745 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation in South Boulder lags at 58.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses indicate that only 1.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries employing residents are mining, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. South Boulder specializes in mining employment, with a share 2.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.0% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.0 worker per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby regions. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Boulder's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that the median income in South Boulder is $59,227 and the average income is $70,199. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $59,973 and the average income is $74,392. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for South Boulder would be approximately $64,925 (median) and $76,952 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in South Boulder cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 36.3% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to surrounding regions at 31.1%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of their income.

South Boulder is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

South Boulder's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.5% houses and 8.5% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's composition of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Boulder stood at 28.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 41.5% and rented dwellings making up 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, significantly lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Weekly rent in South Boulder was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $265. Nationally, South Boulder's mortgage repayments were considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Boulder features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.4% of all households, including 22.5% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 5.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 3.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (4.5%) and certificates (33.5%). Educational participation is high at 46.9%, comprising primary education (19.9%), secondary education (12.5%), and tertiary education (1.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 46.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.9% in primary education, 12.5% in secondary education, and 1.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 9 operational public transit stops in South Boulder, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 126 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 269 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 89%, with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. Only 1.8% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 18 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Boulder is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

South Boulder faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment dated June 20XX.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was high at approximately 55% of the total population (~882 people). The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (9.0%) and asthma (8.6%). Conversely, 68.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Working-age adults faced notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area had 8.0% of residents aged 65 and over (128 people), lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

South Boulder ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Boulder's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 58.0% of its population being citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 39.3% of South Boulder's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 0.8% compared to Rest of WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (28.2%), English (26.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.6%). There were notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Maori was overrepresented at 3.2% (vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.9%), and South African at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).

South Boulder's population is younger than the national pattern

South Boulder has a median age of 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 19.8% of South Boulder's population compared to the Rest of WA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.5%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.3 years from 35 to 34, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 17.1% to 19.8%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 14.7% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.7% to 12.9%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that South Boulder's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 37% (116 people), reaching 434 from 317. In contrast, both the 85+ and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.