Kelmscott

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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at approximately 11,219 as of November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 615 individuals, representing a 5.8% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,604. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,193 in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 745 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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 post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses ABS' latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the national median, with the area projected to expand by 1,013 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.8% total increase 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 per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 151 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $206,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year alone, Kelmscott has recorded $7.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Kelmscott has significantly lower construction activity, with 75.0% fewer approvals per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, the area's construction activity is also below average, indicating maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent construction consists mostly of detached houses (83.0%) and townhouses or apartments (17.0%), maintaining Kelmscott's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Kelmscott is 384 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. By 2041, Kelmscott is projected to grow by 987 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development activity appears to be keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Kelmscott has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Armadale Strategic Metropolitan Centre Redevelopment, Kelmscott District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, West of Rail Precinct, and Armadale Courthouse and Police Complex. The following list details those 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 performance in Kelmscott lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Kelmscott's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 8.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 5,477 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Perth's at 4.5%. Workforce participation lags behind Greater Perth at 58.6%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical employs only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. In the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 1.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth had higher employment and labour force growth but a marginal unemployment increase. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, lagging the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelmscott's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Kelmscott SA2 was $52,843 and the average was $66,509 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is slightly above the national average of $51,775 for median income and $77,334 for average income in Greater Perth. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $60,347 and the average $75,953 based on a 14.2% growth from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. As per the 2021 Census, incomes in Kelmscott fall between the 24th and 24th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 29.8% of residents (3,343 people), closely following regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kelmscott, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kelmscott, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 81.6% houses and 18.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelmscott was at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.3% and rented ones at 27.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelmscott was $1,500, below Perth metro's average of $1,750. Median weekly rent in Kelmscott was recorded at $290, compared to Perth metro's $305. Nationally, Kelmscott's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kelmscott has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. 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's university qualification rate is 16.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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.

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

Kelmscott has 96 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 14 routes that collectively facilitate 3,493 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 212 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 499 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area, covering about 5,878 people. Mental health issues affect around 10.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts approximately 9.0%. About 64.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.1% across Greater Perth. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 20.4% (2,288 people), compared to the 12.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Kelmscott's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local areas, with 12.1% speaking a language other than English at home as of the 2016 Census. Additionally, 31.5% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelmscott, comprising 42.8% of its population.

However, the category 'Other' religions was notably overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, with 1.2% versus 3.0%. In terms of ancestry, based on parents' country of birth, English heritage was most prevalent at 33.4%, significantly higher than the regional average of 27.9%. Australian heritage followed at 24.1%, and Other ancestry comprised 8.3%. Notably, Dutch heritage was slightly overrepresented at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 2.4%, Welsh heritage was at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Maori heritage was also notably present at 1.1%, matching the regional average.

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 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, Kelmscott has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort at 10.9%, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 13.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.8% to 7.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kelmscott's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 532 people (66%), from 806 to 1,339. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting Kelmscott's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.