Clarkson (WA)

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According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Clarkson has an estimated population of approximately 15,932 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,028 people (14.6%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 13,904 people. The figure is derived from a resident population of 15,921, estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 339 validated new addresses post-Census. This population size corresponds to a density of 2,451 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the upper quartile of nationwide locations assessed by Districts. The suburb of Clarkson's 14.6% expansion since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate (9.3%) and the SA4 region, making it a regional growth leader. Population gains in the area were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 57% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Clarkson possesses a qualified workforce with a strong presence in industrial and manufacturing fields, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 3.1% based on Districts' compiled statistical area data. In March 2026, 9,105 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate stood 1.8% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor force participation was standard (74.9% vs. 70.2% in Greater Perth). Census records indicate a minor 6.9% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Based on Districts' compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Clarkson recorded a median taxpayer income of $55,297 and an average taxpayer income of $70,749. This exceeds the national average, while comparing to Greater Perth figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $61,341 (median) and $78,482 (average) as of March 2026. Census findings show household, family, and individual incomes in Clarkson cluster around the 52nd percentile nationwide. Income profiling shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 39.1% of residents (6,229 people), which mirrors the broader region where 32.0% fall into this range. Affordability pressures are high, with only of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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Residential property types in Clarkson at the time of the latest Census consisted of 89.3% standalone houses and 10.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metro area. The level of home ownership in Clarkson lagged behind the metropolitan average at 15.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (52.8%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, compared to metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Clarkson's mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national average of $375.

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Family households represent the vast majority of homes at 74.3%, consisting of 32.9% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 17.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.7%, with single-person households at 22.2% and share houses making up 3.5%. The median household size of 2.6 residents aligns with the Greater Perth average.

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Educational attainment in Clarkson is lower than regional averages, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights scope for educational development and vocational training. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational training is highly represented, with 41.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (29.0%).

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Public transit analysis indicates there are 70 active transport stops operating within Clarkson, consisting of both trains and buses. These stops are served by 20 distinct routes, which carry a combined 2,783 passenger trips per week. Transport links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 236 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area; private vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel at 77%, with 15% commuting by train. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars. A relatively low 6.9% of residents worked from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting pandemic circumstances).

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Clarkson's public health indicators are close to national averages, according to Districts' analysis of mortality data and chronic illness rates, showing a standard occurrence of common medical conditions in both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,808 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

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Clarkson displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 21.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 44.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion in the area, practiced by 41.0% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 1.6% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

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Clarkson's median age is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Clarkson has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (16.7%) but fewer aged 75 - 84 (3.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 6.1% to 8.2% of the population. In contrast, the 0 to 4 group decreased from 7.7% to 6.3% and the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.8% to 11.4%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate significant changes for Clarkson. The to cohort is projected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach . Older residents (+) are expected to account for of total population growth, highlighting local aging trends. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the to and to age brackets.

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Clarkson currently has an estimated 1,003 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 595 children aged 0-2 and 396 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 870 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,623. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.