Kulin

Kulin has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on statistical assessments, Kulin contains roughly 4,471 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 222 individuals (5.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the population stood at 4,249. This variation is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimate of 4,452 residents alongside 27 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The resulting population density is 0.20 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial personal space. Kulin has exhibited steady demographic patterns over the prior ten years with a 0.1% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the broader SA3 region. Population increases were mostly fueled by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 50.9% of the gains in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, utilising 2022 as a base, are applied to the SA2 areas. For localities without this coverage and to project trends beyond 2032, calculations incorporate growth rates by age cohort from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which are based on 2022 data. Demographic trends suggest growth matching the lowest national quartile for regional areas, with Kulin projected to add 76 individuals by 2041 according to the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a 1.3% rise over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kulin, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Kulin averages approximately 9 new residential approvals annually, with 47 homes approved during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 6 approvals recorded during FY-26. Stable market conditions are indicated by a balance between supply and demand, with 1.3 new residents per approved home over the FY-21 to FY-25 period, though this ratio rose to 4.8 people per dwelling during the last 2 financial years, pointing to rising local demand and potential supply limitations. The typical value of newly built properties stands at $249,000, aligning with regional averages. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $7.1 million have been recorded this financial year, reinforcing the residential focus of the locality.

Compared to the Rest of WA, the rate of new home approvals per capita in Kulin is approximately three-quarters, ranking in the 38th percentile of areas evaluated across the country, which restricts options for purchasers and maintains demand for existing housing. This rate also sits below the national average, indicating a mature market and possible constraints on development. Residential construction is dominated by detached houses at 83.0%, with townhouses and apartments comprising 17.0%, preserving the low-density landscape and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of 588 people per dwelling approval reflects a quiet construction market.

Projections indicate Kulin will expand by 57 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly assessments. Current construction rates suggest new housing volume will easily accommodate this demand, sustaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially assisting expansion beyond current forecasts.

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

Local infrastructure projects and planning changes significantly impact area performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 key projects relevant to the region, including the Kondinin Housing Replacement Plan, Kondinin Wind and Solar Project, Hyden Recreation Centre Extension - Stage 2, and Hyden Townsite Expansion Plan, with details provided on those of primary interest.

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 conditions in Kulin demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

The local workforce is evenly divided between professional and trade roles across various sectors, with unemployment sitting at 1.9%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,624, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.6 percentage points below the Regional WA average of 3.5%, and the participation rate reaching 75.5% compared to 65.6% for Regional WA. Census data showed that 23.5% of workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Agricultural, forestry, and fishing roles show a high concentration, employing people at 5.4 times the regional average rate. Conversely, mining represents only 1.8% of local employment, compared to 11.7% across the region. Although local jobs exist, comparison between the Census working population and local resident numbers suggests a significant portion of the workforce travels outside the area for employment.

According to analyses of SALM and ABS statistics, Kulin's labour force contracted by 5.2% and total employment fell by 6.2% during the year ending March 2026, leading to a 1.0 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Regional WA recorded a 0.1% dip in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective local demand. These five and ten-year projections are compared with local employment structures to map potential trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with substantial variation between sectors. Weighting these projections against Kulin's industry distribution suggests local job numbers could rise by 4.1% over five years and 9.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year indicates Kulin SA2 residents earn incomes that rank among the highest nationally, with a median of $64,817 and an average of $86,517. This is higher than the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of $71,901 for the median and $95,973 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, personal income sits at the 66th percentile ($897 per week), whereas household income is at the 34th percentile. The largest cohort consists of 33.3% of earners receiving $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,488 residents), similar to the regional average of 31.1% in this bracket. Housing costs are manageable for most, with 95.1% of income retained, though disposable income is below average at the 46th percentile and the SEIFA index places Kulin in the 5th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, housing types in Kulin consisted of 96.0% detached houses and 3.9% alternative structures like semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings in Regional WA. Home ownership is high, with 56.4% of properties owned outright, while 20.9% are mortgaged and 22.6% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $743 is lower than the Regional WA median of $1,560, while the median weekly rent of $160 compares to $265 across Regional WA. Nationally, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are below the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up 68.9% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 27.6%, couples without children at 35.3%, and single-parent households at 5.3%. The remaining 31.1% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 28.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment levels show that 16.2% of residents hold university degrees, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.3%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.2% and postgraduate degrees at 0.7%. Vocational education is prominent, with 35.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, including 9.1% with advanced diplomas and 26.3% with certificates.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 28.3% of residents enrolled in education. This includes 15.7% attending primary schools, 5.5% in secondary schools, and 1.8% in higher education.

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

Analysis of transport options shows 17 active stops within Kulin, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes that provide 10 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is limited, with the typical distance to the nearest stop being 6323 meters. As a residential area, commuting is common, with 76% of residents driving and 17% walking to work. Vehicle ownership stands at 2.0 per household, exceeding the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows 23.5% of residents working from home, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 0 weekly trips at each stop.

The level of general health in Kulin is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes in the region are positive, with low rates of chronic illness and mortality across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 62% of the population (2,772 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most frequently reported medical conditions, affecting 9.2% and 7.8% of the population, respectively. Additionally, 69.0% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents under 65 show favorable health profiles. Individuals aged 65 and over represent 20.2% of the population (904 people), with seniors exhibiting health outcomes that rank higher than national averages.

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

Cultural diversity metrics are relatively low, with citizens making up 83.2% of the population, 88.2% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 48.7%, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

The top ancestries reported are Australian at 35.8% (above the regional average of 28.4%), English at 33.3%, and Irish at 7.8%. Other ancestries include New Zealand at 0.8% (compared to 0.9% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (compared to 1.0%), and Aboriginal at 2.7% (compared to 6.1%).

Kulin hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of Kulin residents is 43 years, slightly above the Regional WA average of 40 and higher than the Australian median of 38. The 0 - 4 age cohort is over-represented locally at 7.3%, while the 15 - 24 cohort is under-represented at 7.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 10.5% to 12.3% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 15.9% to 13.6% and the 45 to 54 group declined from 13.8% to 12.0%. By 2041, the 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 126 people (23%) from 549 to 676, while the 45 to 54 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are expected to decrease in size.