Boulder

Boulder is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Boulder's population is around 7,763 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 613 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,150 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,756 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 593 persons per square kilometer. Boulder's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.5%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, 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, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is projected to expand by 510 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

Boulder has seen approximately five dwellings granted development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 29 homes. As of FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 has accommodated around 10.8 new residents per year, indicating a significant demand outstripping supply. The average construction cost value for new homes is $425,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, commercial approvals amount to $2.0 million, reflecting minimal commercial development activity in Boulder compared to the rest of WA, which is 53.0% higher per person on average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, Boulder's development level is also below average, possibly due to its mature status and potential planning constraints. New developments consist of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets. This shift from the current housing mix (85.0% houses) reflects reduced development site availability and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 2306 people per dwelling approval, Boulder maintains a quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Boulder is projected to grow by 503 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Boulder has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are the Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility, Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Workers Lifestyle Village, and Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project. The following list details those considered 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.

Employment conditions in Boulder remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Boulder's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% and estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,011 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than Regional WA's rate of 3.5%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional WA at 66.0%. Only 2.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading industries include mining, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Mining employment is particularly high, with a share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.4% compared to Regional WA's 9.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census population data. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, labour force grew by 2.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA saw employment rise by 1.0%, labour force grow by 1.4%, and unemployment increase by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Boulder's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Boulder SA2 was $69,711 and average income was $81,872. In contrast, Regional WA had a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026 (an estimated increase of 10.93%), current estimates suggest median income in Boulder would be approximately $77,330 and average income around $90,821 by March 2026. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Boulder cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 37.4% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,903 residents), which is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.1% fall into this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, Boulder residents retain 88.4% of their income.

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

Dwelling structure in Boulder, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Boulder was 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,309, below Regional WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, Boulder's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Boulder features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.3% of all households, including 27.1% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional WA average.

Educational outcomes in Boulder fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 8.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 6.2% of residents holding these qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 45.0% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 6.7%, while certificates make up 38.3% of these vocational credentials. Educational participation is high, with 37.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.7% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Boulder indicates that there are currently 54 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 132 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transportation is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 227 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with the car remaining the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Boulder.

According to the 2021 Census, only 2.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Boulder is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Boulder faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,650 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA. Mental health issues impact 7.7% of residents, while asthma affects 7.4%. A total of 71.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (753 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Boulder records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Boulder's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average. Its population comprises 69.3% citizens, 78.7% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 40.3% of Boulder residents.

Notably, Buddhism is slightly overrepresented in Boulder at 1.2%, compared to Regional WA's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (27.2%), English (27.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.2%) are the top groups represented. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maori (3.7% vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand (1.6% vs 0.9%), and Samoan (0.6% vs 0.1%) are notably overrepresented in Boulder compared to Regional WA averages.

Boulder's population is younger than the national pattern

Boulder's median age is 34, which is younger than the Regional WA figure of 40 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 17.6% of Boulder's population, higher than Regional WA, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 6.9%. Between 2021 and now, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.4% to 17.6%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.4% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.8% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Boulder's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 35%, reaching 1,843 people from the current 1,369. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in number.