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 7,720 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 570 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 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 589 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Boulder's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which 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, with the area expected to expand by 530 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.7% 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 around 5 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 29 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 10.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average value of $425,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of WA, Boulder has significantly less development activity (53.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 85.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 2306 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Boulder is expected to grow by 515 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Boulder has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility, Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, and Workers Lifestyle Village, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,011 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 2.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Boulder's workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional WA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional WA, where employment rose by 1.0%, the labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Boulder. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Boulder's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Boulder SA2 is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $69,711 while the average income stands at $81,872. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,417 (median) and $89,748 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Boulder cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 37.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,887 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

Dwelling structure within Boulder, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Boulder lagged that of Regional WA, at 22.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (34.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,309, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Boulder's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 65.3% of all households, comprising 27.1% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (8.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (38.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 54 active transport stops operating within Boulder, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 132 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 2.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,624 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.7% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 71.9% declared themselves as 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 8.9% of residents aged 65 and over (685 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 69.3% of its population being citizens, 78.7% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Boulder is Christianity, which makes up 40.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 1.2% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Boulder are Australian, comprising 27.2% of the population, English, comprising 27.2% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 3.7% of Boulder (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 1.6% (vs 0.9%) and Samoan at 0.6% (vs 0.1%).

Boulder's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 34, Boulder is materially younger than the Regional WA figure of 40 as well as well below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 18.2% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.3%. In the period since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 35 to 34, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.4% to 18.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.4% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.5% to 13.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Boulder's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 34% (479 people), reaching 1,881 from 1,401. In contrast, both 75 to 84 and 85+ age groups will see reduced numbers.