Clarkson

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

Clarkson's population was around 16,100 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 2,196 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,904. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 15,492 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,496 persons per square kilometer. Clarkson's growth rate of 15.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch used ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and growth rates by age cohort from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median statistical area analysed by AreaSearch, with Clarkson expected to gain 935 persons to reach a total of 17,035 by 2041, reflecting a growth rate of 2.0% 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 around 94 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 470 homes. As of FY26, 83 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand exceeds supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $280,000.

This financial year has seen $12.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Perth. Clarkson shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 85th percentile nationally for construction activity, with recent intensification. 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 is considered a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Clarkson will gain 327 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Clarkson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Alkimos to Wanneroo Desalination Pipeline, Wanneroo Road Corridor Improvements, Catalina Plaza Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and Woolworths Clarkson Shopping Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Clarkson has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 9,016 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is 1.3% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Clarkson is 69.9%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Clarkson specializes in construction employment, with a share 1.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 5.9% of local workers, lower than Greater Perth's 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Clarkson increased by 4.8%, while the labour force grew by 3.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-wide, WA employment contracted by 0.27% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 5,520 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clarkson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Clarkson SA2 had median income among taxpayers of $55,297 with average level at $70,749. This is higher than national average and compares to levels of $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% between financial year ended June 2022 and September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $63,149 (median) and $80,795 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Clarkson cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 39.1% of residents (6,295 people), aligning with surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile nationally. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clarkson was at 15.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.8% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Perth metro's average of $1,898. The median weekly rent figure in Clarkson was $350, matching Perth metro's figure. 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 account for 74.3% of all households, consisting of 32.9% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 17.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 Trail's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (29.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 unique routes, together facilitating 2,851 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents, on average, situated 238 meters from their nearest stop.

The service frequency stands at 407 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 42 weekly trips per individual 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 exhibits favorable health outcomes, with both younger and older age groups experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 55% (~8,855 people) of Clarkson's total population has private health cover. 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 being free from any medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. As of 2018, Clarkson has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.5% (2,018 people), compared to the 13.6% in Greater Perth. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring those of 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 21.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of the 2016 Census. Additionally, 44.7% of Clarkson's residents were born overseas during this period. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clarkson, accounting for 41.0% of the population.

However, the category 'Other' shows an overrepresentation in Clarkson compared to Greater Perth, with 1.6% versus 1.0%. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English at 30.1%, Australian at 19.4%, and Other at 12.3%. Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented in Clarkson compared to the regional average, with 2.0% versus 1.8%. Similarly, Welsh ancestry is slightly higher at 1.0% versus 0.9%, and Maori ancestry is also overrepresented at 1.6% versus 1.3%.

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

Clarkson's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Clarkson has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 6.1% to 8.1%, while the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 17.7% to 16.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Clarkson. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 633 residents and reaching a total of 1,931. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 87% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups.