Kalamunda (WA)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside recent street addresses confirmed by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Kalamunda has an estimated population of approximately 8,069 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 906 individuals (12.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,163 residents. This adjustment is calculated using a local population of 8,064, which was determined by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 59 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. Such population levels produce a density of 761 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages found in other districts monitored by Districts. The expansion of 12.6% in the suburb of Kalamunda since the 2021 census outpaced the countrywide benchmark (9.3%) as well as the surrounding SA3 district, placing the locality among the regional leaders for growth. This upward demographic trend was mainly propelled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for roughly of the aggregate population increase in recent times.

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Kalamunda boasts a highly qualified labor force, strong representation in key service sectors, a low jobless rate of just 3.1%, and an estimated job growth of 1.9% over the course of the last year, compiled by Districts from local statistical area statistics. As of March 2026, 3,968 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.1% lower than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, though participation in the labor force is much lower, sitting at 59.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records indicate that a modest 11.2% of the workforce worked from their homes, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 containment measures.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the financial year 2023, the suburb of Kalamunda recorded a median taxpayer income of $53,516 and an average income of $71,874. This surpasses the national average, though it is lower than the median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 would be around $59,365 for the median and $79,730 for the average. Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively modest, placing between the 42nd and 43rd percentiles. The data shows the largest group, representing 25.6% of local taxpayers (2,065 people), falls in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the broader region where are in the same category. Once housing costs are met, of income is available for other purchases, and the SEIFA scale ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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The mix of housing in Kalamunda at the time of the latest Census consisted of 89.4% detached houses and 10.6% alternative housing styles (such as townhouses, units, and other dwellings), whereas the wider Perth metropolitan area recorded 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative styles. Home ownership rates in Kalamunda were significantly higher than the Perth metropolitan average, standing at 50.2%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (34.4%) or rented (15.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,100 was notably higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rental cost was $360, compared to $350 in the wider metro area. Nationally, mortgage costs in Kalamunda are considerably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 73.9%, consisting of 28.9% couples with children, 35.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.1%, with single-person households at 24.8% and shared group households representing 1.4% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The educational achievements of the local population are strong compared to the wider region, with university degree rates (representing 29.7% of residents aged 15+) tracking higher than the SA3 average of 22.5%, indicating a local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Practical and vocational qualifications are also highly represented, with 37.6% of citizens aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificate level qualifications (23.6%).

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An evaluation of local public transport shows 63 active transit stops situated within Kalamunda, consisting of various bus links. These stops are served by 24 distinct routes, which combine to offer 3,341 passenger trips each week. Transport connection ratings are favorable, with residents generally living 327 meters from the nearest transit point. Being a residential community, the majority of working residents travel outside the area for work, and driving remains the primary method at 89%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per home, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively small 11.2% of working residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which could reflect pandemic-related working arrangements.

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Evaluations of local health indicators show positive results across Kalamunda, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and the incidence of chronic illnesses, with both younger and older age brackets showing low rates of typical medical conditions. Furthermore, the level of private medical insurance is exceptionally high, covering about 56% of the population (~4,497 people). This compares to a rate of 59.0% recorded across Greater Perth.

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Kalamunda displays above average levels of ethnic diversity, with 6.7% of residents using a language other than English in their household and 33.2% born in another country. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 49.6% of the local population. However, the most visible disproportion is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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Registering a median age of 49, Kalamunda is significantly older than Greater Perth at 37 and is also well above the national median of 38. The age breakdown reveals that the 75 - 84 cohort is particularly large (14.6%), whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller (6.1%) than the Greater Perth average. The proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 is much higher than the national level of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 10.3% to 14.6% of the population, while the 85+ bracket increased from 4.0% to 5.4%. In contrast, the 65 to 74 group fell from to and the to cohort decreased from to . Looking forward to demographic models point to major changes in the age profile of Kalamunda. The + cohort is expected to grow by ( people), increasing to from . Crucially, the combined cohorts aged + will represent of the total population growth, highlighting the aging trend in the area. Meanwhile, the to and to cohorts are projected to see their populations shrink.

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Kalamunda currently has an estimated 298 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 204 children aged 0-2 and 137 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 274 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 768. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.