Clarkson
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Clarkson are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Clarkson's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 15,845. This figure represents an increase of 1,941 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,904. The growth from June 2024's estimated resident population of 15,492 and validated new addresses is inferred to be around 321. This results in a population density ratio of 1,472 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Clarkson's growth rate of 14.0% since the 2021 census surpasses the national average (8.6%) and that of its SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.6% to the overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics suggest a median increase for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. Clarkson is expected to increase by approximately 935 persons by 2041, with a total gain of around 3.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Clarkson has received approximately 94 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 470 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25 and 44 in FY-26 so far. On average, each home built over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) accommodates around 3.3 new residents annually. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, contributing to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average expected construction cost for new dwellings in Clarkson is $357,000, reflecting more affordable housing options. In the current financial year, commercial approvals amounting to $12.6 million have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Clarkson records approximately 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 85th percentile nationally in terms of construction activity, which has intensified recently.

New developments consist of 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Clarkson's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 125 people per dwelling approval, Clarkson exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts project an increase of 582 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, presenting favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Clarkson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Alkimos to Wanneroo Desalination Pipeline, Wanneroo Road Corridor Improvements, Catalina Plaza Shopping Centre, and Catalina Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Clarkson's workforce comprises skilled individuals with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 5.3%, a figure that has seen an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year.

In this period, 8,935 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate in Clarkson is 69.9%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries employing locals include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, the employment share in construction is 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 5.9% of local workers, lower than Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a slight rise in unemployment rate. State-level data up to Sep-25 shows WA's employment contracted by 0.82% (losing 14,590 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, and employment growth is 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clarkson's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Clarkson had a median income among taxpayers of $55,297. The average income stood at $70,749. Nationally, the average was lower at $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $61,717 (median) and $78,963 (average). The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Clarkson cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.1% of residents (6,195 people), similar to surrounding regions at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Clarkson's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Perth metro's 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clarkson stood at 15.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.8% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below the Perth metro average of $1,898. The median weekly rent figure in Clarkson was $350, matching the Perth metro average. Nationally, Clarkson's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Clarkson has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.3% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 17.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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

Clarkson's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.1% and certificates for 29.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education. Clarkson has a network of 6 schools educating approximately 1,792 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 957) with balanced educational opportunities. The provision follows conventional lines, split between 3 primary and 3 secondary institutions. School places per 100 residents (11.3) are below the regional average (15.6), suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Clarkson has 67 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 routes, facilitating 2,851 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 238 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 407 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 42 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Clarkson is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Clarkson demonstrates superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups.

The prevalence of common health conditions remains low among its residents. Approximately 55% (~8714 people) of Clarkson's population holds private health insurance. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.6 and 7.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.4%, report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 73%. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over is lower at 12.5% (1986 people) compared to Greater Perth's 13.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Clarkson remain above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Clarkson is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clarkson has high cultural diversity, with 21.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 44.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Clarkson, comprising 41.0%. Other religions are overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, with Other being 1.6% vs 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups include English (30.1%), Australian (19.4%), and Other (12.3%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences: South African is 2.0% in Clarkson vs 1.8%, Welsh is 1.0% vs 0.9%, Maori is 1.6% vs 1.3%.

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

Clarkson's median age in 2021 was 34 years, lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Clarkson had a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 65-74 grew from 6.1% to 8.1%, while the 25-34 cohort decreased from 17.7% to 16.6%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Clarkson. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 51%, adding 653 residents and reaching a total of 1,931. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 85% of population growth, reflecting aging trends. Conversely, populations aged 0-4 and 25-34 are projected to decline.