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 7,722 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 572 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,150 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,705 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 589 persons per square kilometer. Boulder's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.8% 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is expected to expand by 530 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Boulder has experienced approximately five dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 29 homes. As of FY-26, there have been zero approvals recorded to date. On average, around 10.8 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $425,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of WA. Boulder has 53.0% less development activity per person than the regional average and is also below the national average, reflecting its mature area 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 marks a change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (85.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval in Boulder is 2306 people, indicating a quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Boulder is expected to grow by 513 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Boulder has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include 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 has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

Unemployment rate is 3.9%. Employment stability over the past year is relative. As of September 2025, 3,975 residents are employed while unemployment rate is 4.5%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%.

Leading industries include mining, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Mining employment share is 2.5 times the regional level at 10.7% while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels remained stable (0.0%) while labour force increased by 0.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Boulder's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.2% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in the Boulder SA2 is extremely high nationally. The median assessed income is $66,069 and the average income stands at $78,308. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $57,323 and the average income is $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Boulder would be approximately $75,451 (median) and $89,428 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Boulder cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 37.4% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,888 residents), which mirrors the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Boulder is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Boulder's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Boulder stood at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,309, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Boulder was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Boulder's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,309 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $300.

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 average for the Rest of WA.

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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 6.7% and certificates at 38.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.7% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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

Boulder has 47 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are operated by five different routes, offering a total of 132 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Boulder's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows that Boulder residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen equally across young and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 59% (4,540 people), compared to 62.3% in the rest of WA.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.7% and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 71.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.9% in the rest of WA. As of 2021, 9.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (707 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring those of 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. 69.3% of Boulder residents are citizens, 78.7% were born in Australia, and 90.0% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Boulder, practiced by 40.3% of its population.

Buddhism, while a minority, is proportionally represented at 1.2%, matching the regional average. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.2%), English (27.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.2%). Notably, Maori (3.7%) and New Zealand (1.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Boulder compared to regional averages of 3.3% and 1.5%, respectively. Samoan ethnicity is also somewhat overrepresented at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.4%.

Boulder's population is younger than the national pattern

Boulder's median age is 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 17.2% of Boulder's population compared to a lower percentage in the Rest of WA. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up only 6.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.4% to 17.2%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 12.4% to 14.0%. During this period, the 45-54 age group decreased from 13.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Boulder's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 1,881 people from the current figure of 1,325. Conversely, both the 75-84 and 85+ age groups are expected to decrease in number.