Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kalgoorlie's population is around 13,942 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 729 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,213 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,597 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 593 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kalgoorlie's 5.5% growth since the census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 58.0% 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,351 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kalgoorlie, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Kalgoorlie has experienced around 32 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 164 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $230,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $60.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Kalgoorlie has slightly more development (46.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though construction activity has eased recently. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. The estimated count of 556 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Kalgoorlie is expected to grow by 1,006 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Kalgoorlie 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, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1), Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Bank Project, KCGM 800-Bed Workers Accommodation Camp, and Fabric Street Temporary Workforce Accommodation, 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.

The labour market strength in Kalgoorlie positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Kalgoorlie possesses a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 1.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,093 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.2% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, health care and social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry and fishing is under-represented, with only 0.2% of Kalgoorlie's workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional WA. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.9% alongside the labour force increasing by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kalgoorlie. 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 Kalgoorlie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.9% 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 exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Kalgoorlie SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $76,717 and an average of $89,167 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $84,097 (median) and $97,745 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Kalgoorlie, between the 86th and 91st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 34.8% of locals (4,851 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.1% in the same category. Economic strength emerges through 37.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Kalgoorlie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.0% houses and 23.0% 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 Kalgoorlie was lagging that of Regional WA, at 17.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.7%) or rented (39.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Kalgoorlie's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kalgoorlie has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.8% of all households, comprising 33.7% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Kalgoorlie faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (33.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.0% 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 75 active transport stops operating within Kalgoorlie, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 343 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kalgoorlie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kalgoorlie 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 65% of the total population (9,090 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.3% and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 76.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,187 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Kalgoorlie was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kalgoorlie was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.6% born overseas. The main religion in Kalgoorlie is Christianity, which makes up 47.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 2.3% of the population, compared to 0.5% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kalgoorlie are Australian, comprising 25.8% of the population, English, comprising 25.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Other, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 3.6% of Kalgoorlie (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 1.7% (vs 0.9%) and Filipino at 3.1% (vs 1.2%).

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

At 33 years, Kalgoorlie's median age is considerably lower than the Regional WA average of 40 and similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional WA, Kalgoorlie has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (20.0%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (5.5%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 33. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.4% to 20.0% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.0% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Kalgoorlie. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 737 people (26%) from 2,792 to 3,530. Conversely, both 55 to 64 and 85+ age groups will see reduced numbers.