Kewdale

Population growth drivers in Kewdale are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kewdale's population is around 8,294 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 900 people (12.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,394 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,254 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,830 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kewdale's 12.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,073 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kewdale among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Kewdale has seen around 30 new homes approved annually, with 152 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far in FY-26. With an average of 5.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $282,000.

Relative to Greater Perth, Kewdale has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 57th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. The location has approximately 311 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Kewdale will gain 1,033 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kewdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Forrestfield/High Wycombe Industrial Area, Perth Airport New Runway, Belmont Forum Redevelopment Stage 2, and Carlisle Station Precinct Redevelopment, 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 performance in Kewdale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kewdale has a well-educated workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and 1.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,556 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.6% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.6% versus the regional average of 14.8%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% and the labour force increased by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kewdale. 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 Kewdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Kewdale SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $56,301 and an average of $61,423 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, 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 $61,717 (median) and $67,332 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kewdale, between the 41st and 49th percentiles. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 34.9% of locals (2,894 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Kewdale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.7% houses and 28.2% 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 Kewdale was in line with that of Perth metro, at 30.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (37.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Kewdale's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Kewdale features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.0% of all households, comprising 29.1% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 5.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Kewdale exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Kewdale trail regional benchmarks, with 30.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 36.6% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights the potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 48 active transport stops operating within Kewdale, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 2,865 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 409 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kewdale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Kewdale, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, while the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,130 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.7% and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 75.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,379 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Kewdale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kewdale scores highly on cultural diversity, with 40.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.6% born overseas. The main religion in Kewdale is Christianity, which makes up 39.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 17.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kewdale are Other, comprising 21.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 11.2%, English, comprising 20.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 28.0%, and Australian, comprising 17.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is overrepresented at 1.1% of Kewdale (vs 0.9% regionally), Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.7%) and Filipino at 2.6% (vs 1.4%).

Kewdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Kewdale's median age is nearly matching the Greater Perth average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Kewdale has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (16.9%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (9.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.7% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 6.7% to 5.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Kewdale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 74%, adding 323 residents to reach 759. Senior residents (65+) will drive 50% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.