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, as of November 2025, is approximately 11,219. This figure represents an increase of 615 people from the 2021 Census count of 10,604 individuals. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,193 in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 745 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 76.7% of Kelmscott's overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends suggest a growth just below the national median for Kelmscott. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 1,013 persons, reflecting an increase of approximately 8.8% over the 17-year period from the latest population numbers.

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 FY25151 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved so far in FY26. Each year, an average of 2.2 new residents are gained for each dwelling built during these five financial years, indicating strong demand which supports property values.

New homes are constructed at an average cost of $206,000, below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Kelmscott shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 75.0% fewer approvals per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting mature planning constraints in the area. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Kelmscott's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population density of 384 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment. By 2041, Kelmscott is projected to grow by 987 residents. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are Armadale Strategic Metropolitan Centre 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.

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

Kelmscott's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 8.2% and estimated employment growth of 4.0% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 5649 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate at 4.3% exceeds Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 58.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services employ only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 3.7% and a slight unemployment rise of 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelmscott's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $60,347 and average income $75,953, based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kelmscott fall between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 29.8% of residents (3,343 people), similar to regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability was severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Kelmscott's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.6% houses and 18.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelmscott stood at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.3% and rented ones at 27.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Perth metro's average of $1,750. Median weekly rent in Kelmscott was $290, compared to Perth metro's $305. Nationally, Kelmscott's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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%. 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 stands at 16.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 12.0% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (31.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. Kelmscott's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,318 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) with balanced educational opportunities. The area has 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

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

Service frequency stands at 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.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~5,878 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.2 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 64.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.1% across Greater Perth. 20.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,288 people), which is higher than the 12.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some 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's population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 12.1% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to the majority of local markets. Born overseas, 31.5% of Kelmscott residents were born outside Australia. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelmscott, accounting for 42.8%.

The 'Other' religious category comprised only 1.2%, lower than Greater Perth's 3.0%. In terms of ancestry, English heritage dominated at 33.4%, higher than Greater Perth's average of 27.9%. Australian ancestry was present in 24.1% of Kelmscott residents. The 'Other' category accounted for 8.3%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to the regional average of 2.4%. Welsh and Maori ancestries were also slightly higher than regional averages, at 0.8% 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 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Kelmscott has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 65-74 (10.9% locally), but fewer people aged 35-44 (13.2%). Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of Kelmscott's population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.8% to 7.2%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Kelmscott's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 66%, increasing from 806 people to 1,339. Notably, the combined population of all age groups over 65 will account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting Kelmscott's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.