Karnup

Karnup lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Karnup's population is approximately 2,773 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 677 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,096. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,524 in June 2024 and an additional 209 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer. Karnup's growth rate of 32.3% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, indicating significant growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also playing positive roles.

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, 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). Based on projected demographic shifts, Karnup is expected to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 711 persons forecasted by 2041. This reflects a total gain of 16.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Karnup among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Karnup has seen around 65 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 327 homes. So far in FY2026, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY2021 and FY2025, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $260,000.

This financial year, $157,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Karnup records 233.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice and indicating robust developer interest. All recent development consists of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 39 people per dwelling approval, Karnup exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Karnup is projected to gain 462 residents.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Karnup has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Gardens Estate - Lakelands, Lakelands Town Centre, Lakelands Residential Development Stage 3, and METRONET Karnup Station Precinct. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 in Karnup demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Karnup has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% and estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year (as of September 2025). There are 1,432 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.4% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Karnup is high at 79.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 10.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 3.0% of Karnup's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Karnup increased by 3.5%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karnup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The Karnup SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $63,451 and an average of $80,581 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably higher than the national figures, with Greater Perth's median income being $60,748 and average income at $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $69,555 (median) and $88,333 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Karnup cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 46.4% of Karnup's community, with 1,286 individuals falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across regional levels, where 32.0% fall within the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Karnup, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 73rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Karnup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Karnup's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings such as semi-detached homes or apartments. This is in contrast to Perth metro which had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karnup was at 17.9%, lower than Perth metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings at 62.1% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Karnup was $1,857, below the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Karnup was $370, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Karnup's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Karnup features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 85.6% of all households, including 46.8% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.4%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households making up 1.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Karnup performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (36.6%). Educational participation is high, with 32.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Karnup has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries, serving a mix of bus routes. This stop is served by one route, providing 415 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility in Karnup is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 86%, while train accounts for 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 59 trips per day, equating to approximately 415 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Karnup exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups display a low incidence of common health issues. Private health coverage is exceptionally high at nearly 60% of Karnup's total population of 1,649 people. Mental health problems and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.8% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.8%, report being free from any medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Karnup has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.4% (316 people), compared to Greater Perth's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes in Karnup are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Karnup records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Karnup's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, with 83.5% of residents being citizens, 72.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Karnup, comprising 36.3%. The notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which accounts for 0.8% of Karnup's population compared to 1.4% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Karnup are English (34.4%, regional average: 28.0%), Australian (28.3%, regional average: 21.2%), and Scottish (6.2%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maori is overrepresented at 2.3% (regional average: 0.9%), South African at 1.9% (regional average: 1.0%), and New Zealand at 1.5% (regional average: 0.8%).

Karnup hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Karnup's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Karnup has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group 35-44 increased from 12.3% to 14.4%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 11.6% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 19.8% to 16.2%, and the 0-4 group fell from 10.3% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Karnup's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 92 people (77%), from 118 to 211. Conversely, the 0-4 age range is expected to decline.