South Kalgoorlie

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, South Kalgoorlie's estimated population as of February 2026 is around 4,630. This reflects an increase of 214 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,416, indicating a growth rate of 4.8%. AreaSearch inferred this change using resident population estimates based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is approximately 1,508 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Kalgoorlie's growth rate of 4.8% since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.7%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods in South Kalgoorlie.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilizes 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 projected demographic shifts, South Kalgoorlie is expected to increase by just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with an estimated population increase of 409 persons to reach a total of approximately 5,041 by 2041, reflecting a growth rate of 6.8% over the 17-year period.

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 around 7 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 37 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The population in South Kalgoorlie has fallen during this period. Despite this, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which could be seen as positive for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $246,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $16.4 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 to surrounding areas, consistent with its established nature and potentially indicative of planning limitations. New development consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 83.0% houses). This could indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflect changing lifestyles with demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

South Kalgoorlie has approximately 757 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is projected to add 317 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives are KCGM's 800-bed worker accommodation camp, Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, and Lot 101 Brookman Street Redevelopment.

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 South Kalgoorlie exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

South Kalgoorlie has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, 2,443 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation is 71.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 2.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.0%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within South Kalgoorlie. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of South Kalgoorlie has a median taxpayer income of $64,664 and an average income of $74,924, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national averages, which are $59,973 median and $74,392 average. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $70,885 median and $82,132 average. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South Kalgoorlie rank between the 77th and 83rd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 per week dominates with 35.9% of residents (1,662 people), aligning with the regional trend where this cohort also represents 31.1%. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 31.5%, indicates strong economic capacity in South Kalgoorlie. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

South Kalgoorlie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Kalgoorlie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Kalgoorlie stood 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 $1,560. The median weekly rent figure in South Kalgoorlie was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 3.1%. 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's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (35.9%). Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.0% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

South Kalgoorlie has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together provide 126 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 183 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 89%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. Only 2% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Kalgoorlie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

South Kalgoorlie faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups, with a slightly higher degree among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 2,636 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 6.7% and 6.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 73.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of the latest data (2016), 10.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (472 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in South Kalgoorlie was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Kalgoorlie has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 28.7% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in South Kalgoorlie, comprising 46.5% of the population. Hinduism, however, is more prevalent here than in the rest of Western Australia, making up 1.8% compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.7%), English (23.6%), and Other (7.6%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Maori is overrepresented at 5.7% (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealanders at 1.9% (vs 0.9%), and Filipinos at 4.5% (vs 1.2%).

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

South Kalgoorlie's median age at 33 years is significantly lower than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA, South Kalgoorlie has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, younger residents have decreased the median age by 1 year to 33 years. Key changes include an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 15.5% to 19.3%, a rise in the 35 to 44 cohort from 14.6% to 15.7%, and a decline in the 45 to 54 cohort from 11.8% to 9.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts for South Kalgoorlie. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to increase by 237 people (27%) from 893 to 1,131. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.