South Kalgoorlie

South Kalgoorlie has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for South Kalgoorlie, as of Nov 2025 its population is estimated at around 4,410. This reflects a decrease of 6 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,416. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,341, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,436 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for South Kalgoorlie was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% 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 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering these projections, South Kalgoorlie's population is expected to increase by just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with an increase of 405 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.0% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in South Kalgoorlie is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, South Kalgoorlie has averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 38 homes. So far in FY-26 (July 2021 - June 2022), 2 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $246,000, lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $9.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the rest of WA. South Kalgoorlie shows comparable building activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This level is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 83.0% houses.

This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 757 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate South Kalgoorlie will gain 530 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

South Kalgoorlie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), KCGM's 800-bed workers accommodation camp, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, and Lot 101 Brookman Street Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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.

The labour market in South Kalgoorlie demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

South Kalgoorlie has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.4%.

This rate is slightly higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, but workforce participation is higher at 67.8% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining is particularly prominent with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4% compared to the regional 9.3%. Labour force levels decreased by 2.6% over the year to June 2025 alongside a 2.7% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable.

In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within South Kalgoorlie. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Kalgoorlie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

South Kalgoorlie's median taxpayer income was $64,664 and average income was $74,924 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $57,323 (median) and $71,163 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $73,846 and average income $85,563, based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in South Kalgoorlie rank between the 77th and 83rd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 35.9% of residents (1,583 people). High earners (those earning above $3,000/week) make up 31.5%, indicating strong economic capacity in the region. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power.

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

South Kalgoorlie's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 83.3% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Compared to Non-Metro WA, South Kalgoorlie had slightly more houses and fewer other dwellings. Home ownership in South Kalgoorlie was at 17.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.9% and rented ones at 36.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,472, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in South Kalgoorlie was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, South Kalgoorlie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Kalgoorlie has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.4% of all households, including 31.2% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.2%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 35.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education. South Kalgoorlie's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,233 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 910). Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between 1 primary and 3 secondary institutions. As an education hub, the area functions with 28.0 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 17.6 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

South Kalgoorlie has 17 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of bus stops served by two routes. Together, they provide 126 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 183 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 18 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in South Kalgoorlie is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

South Kalgoorlie shows better-than-average health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates.

Approximately 57% (~2,511 people) have private health cover, which is slightly lower than the Rest of WA's 62.3%. Mental health issues affect 6.7%, while asthma impacts 6.6% of residents. Around 73.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.9% in Rest of WA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.5% (463 people), compared to Rest of WA's 9.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

South Kalgoorlie 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

South Kalgoorlie's cultural diversity was notable, with 16.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest data point in 20XX. This figure is higher compared to most local markets. Additionally, 28.7% of South Kalgoorlie's residents were born overseas.

Christianity was identified as the primary religion in South Kalgoorlie, with 46.5% of people adhering to it. However, Hinduism showed a relatively higher representation in South Kalgoorlie compared to the rest of WA, at 1.8% versus 1.3%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (25.7%), English (23.6%), and Other (7.6%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences in their representation: Maori was overrepresented at 5.7%, compared to 3.3% regionally; New Zealand was at 1.9%, versus 1.5%; and Filipino was at 4.5%, compared to 2.2%.

South Kalgoorlie hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

South Kalgoorlie's median age is 33 years, which is lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA, South Kalgoorlie has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (18.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.7%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the age group 25 to 34 has grown from 15.5% to 18.5% of the population, while the age group 45 to 54 has declined from 11.8% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests South Kalgoorlie's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 38%, adding 308 residents to reach a total of 1,124. In contrast, both the 85+ and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.