Kojonup

Kojonup is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Kojonup is approximately 4,276 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 223 people (5.5%) from the 4,053 residents counted in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,269 along with 38 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. With these figures, the population density stands at 0.50 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 79.4% of the recent population gains.

AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia for each SA2 area, which are based on 2022 data. For SA2 areas excluded from this dataset, as well as for projections past 2032, growth rates by age cohort are derived from the 2023 Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS using 2022 base data. In line with these demographic patterns, future population expansion is projected to run slightly below the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with the local population expected to increase by 412 persons by 2041. Based on the most recent annual ERP figures, this represents an overall increase of 9.5% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kojonup according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kojonup records approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually, with 40 residential builds approved across the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 10 approvals registered so far in FY-26. Over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, there has been an average of 2.1 people moving to the area for every new home built, indicating a consistent demand that helps maintain real estate values. The average expected construction cost for these new dwellings is $232,000, which falls below regional averages and points to more affordable options for home buyers. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $2.9 million during the current financial year, reinforcing the residential focus of the locality.

Building activity in Kojonup is significantly quiet, registering 66.0% below the regional average per person in the Rest of WA. This minimal addition of new housing stock generally helps support demand and property values for existing residences. This rate of development also falls below the national average, pointing to the mature state of the local market and possible planning constraints. Recent construction has consisted entirely of standalone houses, preserving the traditional low-density style of the neighborhood and emphasizing family-oriented homes for residents wanting space. The ratio of 477 people per dwelling approval highlights the low-volume development environment of the area.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, population projections indicate that Kojonup will add 405 residents by 2041. Should construction continue at its current pace, the supply of new housing may not keep up with this growth, which could increase competition among buyers and drive up residential prices.

Kojonup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects that are expected to impact the local area. Principal developments include the Piesse Lake Structure Plan and Residential Development, the Katanning to Kojonup Pipeline Replacement, the Katanning Energy Project, and the Katanning Supertown Heritage Centre Project, with details of the most significant initiatives provided below.

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.

While Kojonup retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.2%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

The local workforce in Kojonup is skilled and distributed across various sectors, boasting an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. There are 2,255 employed residents as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.3% below the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force is typical for the region, sitting at 68.1% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA. Census data shows that a moderate 22.1% of local workers operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary employment industries for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area features a particularly high representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where employment is 5.6 times the regional average. Conversely, mining employs a mere 0.9% of the local workforce, contrasting with the 11.7% average for Regional WA. Comparing the number of working residents in the Census to the local job count suggests that a significant portion of the population travels outside the area for employment.

The 12-month period witnessed a 5.2% decrease in the labour force alongside a 7.0% decline in employment, which caused the unemployment rate to rise by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% contraction in employment, a 0.3% growth in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Further insights into potential future demand within Kojonup can be obtained from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May-25. These projections, which cover 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 Kojonup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.1% over five years and 9.9% 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 sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Aggregated ATO data from postcode levels for the 2023 financial year indicates that the Kojonup SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,578 and an average income of $60,373. These figures are lower than the national averages, and they compare to median and average incomes of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures as of March 2026 would be roughly $54,997 for the median and $66,972 for the average. The 2021 Census reports that personal income ranks in the 55th percentile ($829 per week), while household income ranks in the 27th percentile. Income distribution details show that 29.1% of the population (1,244 residents) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the wider region where 31.1% of taxpayers are in this bracket. Housing costs are relatively manageable with residents retaining 93.0% of their income, but overall disposable income is low at the 38th percentile, and the local SEIFA ranking for income falls in the 5th decile.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Kojonup consisted of 97.1% standalone houses and 2.8% other dwelling types such as semi-detached homes or apartments. This compares to Regional WA's breakdown of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options. The home ownership rate in Kojonup was high at 51.9%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (22.0%) or rented (26.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,000 was lower than the Regional WA average, while the median weekly rent was $179, compared to regional averages of $1,560 and $265. Locally, mortgage repayments are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.6% of the local dwelling structure, consisting of 27.3% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 7.5% single-parent households. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with single-person households representing 31.4% and group households accounting for 1.8%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Kojonup faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational outcomes present challenges, with university graduation rates at 17.6%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.2%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.3% and postgraduate degrees at 1.1%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 26.1%.

Enrollment rates in formal education are high, with 28.6% of residents currently studying. This group is comprised of 15.0% in primary school, 6.7% in high school, and 1.5% in tertiary studies.

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

Public transit analysis indicates there are 9 active transport stops in Kojonup, which are served by a mix of buses. These stops are utilized by 3 distinct routes that provide 25 passenger trips per week. Transport access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 3338 meters from their nearest transit stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the district, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 83%, followed by 13% of residents who walk. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.9 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 22.1% of residents worked from home, which may reflect the pandemic conditions at the time.

Service frequency averages 3 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 2 weekly trips for each individual stop.

Health outcomes in Kojonup are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, health metrics suggest below-average outcomes in Kojonup. Common health issues are slightly elevated across both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 49% of the population (~2,103 people). This compares to private coverage rates of 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.1 and 7.8% of the population, respectively, while 66.5% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Chronic health conditions are more prevalent than average among working-age residents. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 20.9% of the local population (894 people), higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with national rankings that exceed those of the general local population.

Kojonup is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity in Kojonup is below average, with citizens making up 84.5% of the population, 85.5% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 52.4% of the population, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Kojonup are English at 34.0%, Australian at 33.2%, and Scottish at 7.1%. There are notable differences in other groups, with Welsh ancestry overrepresented at 0.9% (compared to 0.6% regionally), Maori ancestry at 1.3% (compared to 1.0%), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 4.4% (compared to 6.1% regionally).

Kojonup hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Kojonup is 44 years, which is older than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is well represented at 15.1% compared to Regional WA, while the 15 - 24 age group is smaller at 8.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has expanded from 9.5% to 11.4% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 group has contracted from 16.3% to 15.1%. Demographic projections indicate that the age profile will shift by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 41% (adding 202 residents to reach 692), while the 85+ and 55 to 64 groups are projected to decline.