Kulin

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kulin's population is around 4,430 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 181 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,249 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,399 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Kulin has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 54.8% 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). Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 28 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.1% in total over the 17 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 has seen around 9 new homes approved per year, with 47 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $249,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $7.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Kulin has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 582 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Kulin should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Kulin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kondinin Housing Replacement Plan, Kondinin Wind and Solar Project, Hyden Recreation Centre Extension - Stage 2, and Hyden Townsite Expansion Plan, 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.

The labour market strength in Kulin positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Kulin features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. As of December 2025, 2,663 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.3% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, mining has a limited presence with 1.8% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.5% alongside a 5.7% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment grew by 1.0%, the labour force expanded by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kulin. 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 Kulin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.1% over five years and 9.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Kulin SA2 is among the highest in Australia, with the median assessed at $64,817 while the average income stands at $86,517. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,052 (median) and $94,840 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($897 weekly), while household income sits at the 34th percentile. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 33.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,475 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 95.1% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 46th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Kulin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kulin was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 56.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.9%) or rented (22.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $743, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $160, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Kulin's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.9% of all households, comprising 27.6% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 5.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (26.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.7% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within Kulin, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 10 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 6323 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 17% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 23.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual 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

Kulin demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (2,746 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 69.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (878 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Kulin was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.2% of its population being citizens, 88.2% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kulin is Christianity, which makes up 48.7% of people in Kulin, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kulin are Australian, comprising 35.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.4%, English, comprising 33.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is represented at 0.8% of Kulin (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (vs 1.0%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.7% (vs 6.1%).

Kulin hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 43-year median age in Kulin is modestly exceeding Regional WA's average of 40 and is similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 0 - 4 cohort is notably over-represented (7.4% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (7.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.3% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 13.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Kulin. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 117 people (22%) from 547 to 665. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.