Clarkson

Population growth drivers in Clarkson are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Clarkson is close to 15,932 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 2,028 people (14.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 13,904 people. The estimation is calculated from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 15,921 plus an extra 421 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population translates to a density of 1,480 persons per square kilometer, a figure that is higher than the typical result across national sites assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 14.6% expansion rate since the 2021 census was greater than the national benchmark of 9.3% and also ahead of the wider SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth frontrunner. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which made up roughly 69.2% of the overall population rise in recent times.

AreaSearch employs projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For statistical areas not covered by these projections, and to model growth beyond 2032, AreaSearch utilizes cohort-specific growth rates published by the ABS in its 2023 Greater Capital Region projections, which are based on 2022 data. Looking at future demographic shifts, the community is projected to experience growth slightly below the median of areas analyzed by AreaSearch, with an expected increase of 777 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, representing a total gain of 4.8% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Clarkson was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Clarkson averages approximately 94 dwelling approvals each year, with a total of 470 residential approvals recorded over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 169 approvals logged during FY-26 so far. Because the area has averaged 3.5 new residents annually for every constructed dwelling during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand is outstripping new supply, which typically causes prices to rise and heightens buyer rivalry, with new residential projects averaging an estimated building cost of $280,000. In addition, commercial approvals have reached $12.6 million this financial year, showing a moderate level of business-related construction.

On a per capita basis, Clarkson generates about 57% of the building activity seen in Greater Perth, though it ranks in the 84th percentile among all areas evaluated across the nation, indicating that construction has picked up speed recently. The mix of new housing approvals consists of 78.0% houses and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, which supports the established suburban layout and highlights spacious family homes. Averaging approximately 129 people for each approved dwelling, the suburb shows the hallmarks of a developing region.

Demographic projections estimate that Clarkson will add 766 residents by 2041, using the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Looking at current construction trends, the volume of new housing should easily accommodate this growth, providing favorable opportunities for buyers and potentially allowing population gains to outpace current forecasts.

Clarkson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning initiatives represent key influences on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Alkimos to Wanneroo Desalination Pipeline, Catalina Plaza Neighbourhood Centre, Catalina Estate, and Wanneroo Road Corridor Improvements, with details on the most relevant initiatives provided below.

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.

Clarkson has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The local workforce is characterized by strong representation in industrial and manufacturing sectors, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and a job growth rate of 3.1% over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 9,105, while the local unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is relatively typical, standing at 75.1% compared to 70.2% for Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a small proportion of residents, 6.9%, worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The community is highly specialized in construction jobs, showing an employment share that is 1.2 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, the professional & technical sector accounts for only 5.9% of local workers, which is below the Greater Perth average of 8.2%. The ratio of Census working population to resident population suggests that this predominantly residential suburb offers a limited number of local jobs.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS data, the year leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 3.1% and the labor force grow by 3.8%, which led to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0% and labor force growth of 2.5%, alongside a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term national forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context regarding potential future demand in Clarkson. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the expected growth rates vary widely by sector. Applying these national industry trends directly to the local employment mix suggests Clarkson's employed workforce could grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, noting this is a simple weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Clarkson SA2 had a median income of $58,405 and an average income of $73,815. These figures are above the national average, compared to median and average figures of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be approximately $64,789 for the median and $81,883 for the average as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Clarkson sit around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution figures indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 39.1% of residents (6,229 people), which is comparable to the wider region where this group makes up 32.0%. Housing affordability is highly pressured, with only 81.8% of income left over after housing costs, placing the area in the 48th percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index for income ranks the area in the 4th decile.

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

The mix of housing types in Clarkson at the latest Census was 89.3% detached houses and 10.7% other dwellings, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative formats, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Clarkson was lower than the metropolitan average at 15.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (52.8%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was below the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, matching the metropolitan rent average of $350. On a national level, mortgage payments in Clarkson are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

Clarkson has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households represent the largest segment at 74.3% of the total, which includes couples with children at 32.9%, couples without children at 22.7%, and single parent families at 17.4%. The remaining 25.7% consists of non-family households, with single person households representing 22.2% and group households making up 3.5% of the area. The median household size of 2.6 residents matches the average recorded for Greater Perth.

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

The level of formal education qualifications in Clarkson is lower than regional averages, with 21.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights opportunities for educational advancement and professional training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 41.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 29.0%.

Enrolment in education is strong, with 30.3% of local residents currently participating in formal study. This student population includes 11.2% in primary schools, 7.6% in high schools, and 4.5% in tertiary education programs.

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

Public transport analysis identifies 72 active transit stops in Clarkson, offering a combination of train and bus options. These stops are served by 20 distinct routes, which accommodate 2,783 passenger journeys each week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 236 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a primary residential area, most commuting is outbound, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 77%, and trains used by 15% of commuters. Households average 1.4 vehicles. A relatively low 6.9% of residents worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Across all transit routes, service frequency averages 397 trips per day, which translates to approximately 38 weekly trips for each transport stop.

Clarkson's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

An assessment of health data reveals strong outcomes in Clarkson, based on AreaSearch's analysis of death rates and the rate of chronic illnesses. Both younger and older demographics exhibit low rates of typical medical conditions, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high, standing at roughly 56% of the population, or about 8,937 people. This compares to a rate of 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common medical diagnoses in the area, affecting 9.6 and 7.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 72.4% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% for Greater Perth. Health outcomes for working-age residents are generally typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.8% of the population (2,036 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Health outcomes among older residents are above average, with national rankings aligning closely with the general population.

Clarkson 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

Clarkson displays high levels of cultural diversity, with 21.3% of the population using a non-English language at home and 44.7% of residents born outside Australia. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 41.0% of the population. The most visible overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.6% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

Based on parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Clarkson are English at 30.1%, Australian at 19.4%, and Other at 12.3%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain other groups, with South Australian backgrounds accounting for 2.0% of residents compared to 1.0% regionally, Welsh at 1.0% compared to 0.7% regionally, and Maori at 1.6% compared to 0.9% regionally.

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

The median age of residents in Clarkson is 34 years, which is slightly below the Greater Perth average of 37 years and lower than the national median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, Clarkson has a larger share of residents aged 25 - 34 (16.6%) but fewer people aged 75 - 84 (3.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 6.1% to 8.2%. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age group declined from 7.7% to 6.2%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.8% to 11.4%. Projections for the year 2041 indicate notable demographic shifts, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 104%, adding 581 residents to reach a total of 1,141. Seniors aged 65 and over are projected to drive 80% of total population growth, reflecting an aging trend, while declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age brackets.