Clarkson

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Clarkson's population is around 15,699 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,795 people (12.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,904 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,492 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 419 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,459 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Clarkson's 12.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 56.6% 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 areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 935 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Clarkson has averaged around 94 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 470 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26115 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $280,000. Additionally, $12.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Perth, Clarkson shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person and ranks within the 85th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 78.0% detached dwellings and 22.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 125 people per dwelling approval, Clarkson shows characteristics of a growth area.

Looking ahead, Clarkson is expected to grow by 728 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Alkimos to Wanneroo Desalination Pipeline, Catalina Plaza Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, Wanneroo Road Corridor Improvements, and Woolworths Clarkson Shopping Centre, 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 Clarkson remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Clarkson has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and 4.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,060 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (76.7% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.9% of Clarkson's workforce compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while the labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Clarkson. 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 Clarkson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Clarkson SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $58,405 and an average of $73,815 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is higher than average nationally, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,024 (median) and $80,916 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Clarkson cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 39.1% of the community (6,138 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Clarkson, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Clarkson was lagging that of Perth metro, at 15.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (52.8%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Clarkson's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Perth average.

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

Educational qualifications in Clarkson trail regional benchmarks, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 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

Public transport analysis reveals 72 active transport stops operating within Clarkson, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 2,783 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 236 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 15% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 397 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Clarkson, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~8,807 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,155 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 21.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.7% born overseas. The main religion in Clarkson is Christianity, which makes up 41.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Clarkson are English, comprising 30.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Clarkson (vs 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 1.0% (vs 0.7%) and Maori at 1.6% (vs 0.9%).

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

Clarkson's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Perth's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 15.8% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 3.7%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.1% to 8.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.6% to 3.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 15.8% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 7.7% to 6.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Clarkson. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 599 people (102%) from 587 to 1,187. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.