Kelmscott
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kelmscott reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Kelmscott's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, was around 11,217 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 613 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,604 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,193 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 745 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kelmscott's growth rate of 5.8% since the census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. The population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 76.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Examining future trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected. By 2041, Kelmscott's population is projected to increase by 1,013 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 8.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kelmscott recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kelmscott has averaged approximately 30 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 151 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand which should support property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $311,000, lower than regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Kelmscott's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Kelmscott records significantly lower building activity, 75.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is also below the national average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints in the area. New development consists of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Kelmscott's low-density character and attracting buyers seeking space. The estimated population density is 384 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

By 2041, Kelmscott is projected to grow by 989 residents, with construction pace currently reasonable but potential growing competition for buyers as population increases.

Kelmscott has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Armadale Central Redevelopment, Kelmscott District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, West of Rail Precinct, and Ranford Road Station. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The labour market performance in Kelmscott lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Kelmscott has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate in June 2025 was 8.2%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 4.0%. As of that date, 5,649 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate at 4.3% was higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kelmscott was lower at 58.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing had a higher representation than the regional average, while professional & technical roles were lower at 4.6% versus the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period, employment increased by 4.0% alongside labour force growth of 3.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. Conversely, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% with a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 showed WA employment contracted by 0.82%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lagged behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelmscott's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this was a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Kelmscott's median taxpayer income was $52,843 and average income was $66,509 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average of $51,769 and $70,589 respectively. In contrast, Greater Perth had a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Kelmscott as of March 2025 would be approximately $58,978 (median) and $74,231 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kelmscott all fell between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprised 29.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,342 residents). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Kelmscott is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kelmscott's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.6% houses and 18.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. In contrast, Perth metro had 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Kelmscott's home ownership rate was higher at 31.2%, with mortgaged properties at 41.3% and rented ones at 27.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelmscott was $1,500, lower than Perth metro's $1,750. The median weekly rent in Kelmscott was $290, compared to Perth metro's $305. Nationally, Kelmscott's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Kelmscott features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.7% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

Kelmscott shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.9%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 31.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. Kelmscott's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,318 students as of the reporting date. Kelmscott demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 3 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

The analysis shows that Kelmscott has 96 active public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 14 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide a combined 3,493 passenger trips. The report rates transport accessibility as good for residents of Kelmscott, with an average distance of 212 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 499 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kelmscott faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area, covering around 5,877 people. Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.0%. About 64.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.1% in Greater Perth. In Kelmscott, 20.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,288 people), higher than the 12.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Kelmscott 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

Kelmscott had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 12.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelmscott, comprising 42.8% of people. However, there was an overrepresentation in Other religions, making up 1.2% compared to Greater Perth's 3.0%.

For ancestry, the top three groups were English at 33.4%, Australian at 24.1%, and Other at 8.3%. Notably, Dutch (2.6%), Welsh (0.8%), and Maori (1.1%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.4%, 0.6%, and 1.1% respectively.

Kelmscott's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kelmscott has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Notably, the 65-74 age cohort makes up 10.9% of Kelmscott's population, compared to the Greater Perth average, indicating an over-representation in this age group. Conversely, the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 13.2%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.8% to 7.2% of Kelmscott's population. During this period, the 5-14 age cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kelmscott's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 66%, from 806 to 1,339 people. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting Kelmscott's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.