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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Karnup's population is around 2,773 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 677 people (32.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,096 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,524 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 209 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Karnup's 32.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 51.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

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 utilizing 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 significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 711 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 16.7% in total over the 17 years.

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, totalling 327 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.5 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $260,000. Additionally, $157,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Relative to Greater Perth, Karnup records 233.0% more development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 39 people per dwelling approval, Karnup shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Karnup will gain 462 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Gardens Estate - Lakelands, Lakelands Town Centre, Lakelands Residential Development Stage 3, and METRONET Karnup Station Precinct, 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 Karnup remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Karnup has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 1,405 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (78.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 3.0% of Karnup's workforce compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The 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, labour force levels increased by 1.1% while employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, and 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 Karnup. 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 Karnup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Karnup SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $63,451 and an average of $80,581 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is high 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 $69,555 (median) and $88,333 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Karnup cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 46.4% of the community (1,286 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 73rd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Karnup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% 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 Karnup lagged that of Perth metro, at 17.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (62.1%) or rented (20.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,857, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Karnup's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 85.6% of all households, comprising 46.8% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.4%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 49.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (36.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents 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

Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stop operating within Karnup, comprising a mix of buses. This stop is serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,649 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.8% and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 74.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (316 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.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 72.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Karnup is Christianity, which makes up 36.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% 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 Karnup are English, comprising 34.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.2%, and Scottish, comprising 6.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.3% of Karnup (vs 0.9% regionally), South Australian at 1.9% (vs 1.0%) and New Zealand at 1.5% (vs 0.8%).

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

At 30 years, Karnup's median age is materially younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Karnup has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (16.6%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (6.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.8% to 16.2% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 10.3% to 8.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Karnup's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 92 people (77%) from 118 to 211. Conversely, numbers in the 0 to 4 age range are expected to fall by 2.