Murdoch - Kardinya

An assessment of population growth drivers in Murdoch - Kardinya reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Murdoch - Kardinya's population is around 14,284 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,795 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,489 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,047 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 171 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,651 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Murdoch - Kardinya's 14.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 95.5% 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 utilizing the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,275 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 14.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Murdoch - Kardinya when compared nationally

Murdoch - Kardinya has recorded around 101 residential properties granted approval annually, with 507 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 20 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.5 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $109,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $333.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Perth, Murdoch - Kardinya shows moderately higher development activity (23.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 418 people per approval, Murdoch - Kardinya indicates a mature market.

Looking ahead, Murdoch - Kardinya is expected to grow by 2,038 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Murdoch - Kardinya has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Fiona Stanley Hospital Precinct (New Women and Babies Hospital), Kardinya Rise Estate, the North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, and the New Women and Babies Hospital, 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 conditions in Murdoch - Kardinya demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Murdoch - Kardinya features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,877 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.2% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 5.0% versus the regional average of 7.0%. With 1.3 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Murdoch - Kardinya. 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 Murdoch - Kardinya's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% 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 Murdoch - Kardinya SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $57,067 while the average income stands at $75,385. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,557 (median) and $82,637 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 54th percentile ($1,824 weekly), while personal income sits at the 37th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.2% of residents (4,170 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.0% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Murdoch - Kardinya, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.3% houses and 15.7% 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 Murdoch - Kardinya was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 45.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (21.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Perth metro average at $2,015, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Murdoch - Kardinya's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.4% of all households, comprising 30.8% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 4.9% 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 Murdoch - Kardinya exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (36.1% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the WA average of 27.9% and that of the SA4 region (28.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (18.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in tertiary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 97 active transport stops operating within Murdoch - Kardinya, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 28 individual routes, collectively providing 7,098 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 12% by train and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 8.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,014 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 73 weekly trips per individual stop.

Murdoch - Kardinya's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Murdoch - Kardinya, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~8,084 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.8% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 70.2% 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 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,609 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Murdoch - Kardinya 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

Murdoch - Kardinya scores highly on cultural diversity, with 27.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.9% born overseas. The main religion in Murdoch - Kardinya is Christianity, which makes up 52.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 3.7% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Murdoch - Kardinya are English, comprising 24.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.1% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Murdoch - Kardinya (vs 0.8% regionally), South Australian at 1.0% (vs 1.0%) and Italian at 6.6% (vs 4.2%).

Murdoch - Kardinya's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Murdoch - Kardinya's median age is significantly above the Greater Perth average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (17.3% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (8.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 15.5% to 17.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.6% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Murdoch - Kardinya's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 125%, adding 716 residents to reach 1,289. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 67% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 cohorts.