Karnup (WA)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, Karnup's population is estimated at around 2,750 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 654 people (31.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,096 people. The shift is inferred from the resident population of 2,744, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 85 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Karnup's 31.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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Karnup has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 5.1%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,393 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Karnup had a median income among taxpayers of $60,008 with the average level standing at $74,121. This is higher than average nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,567 (median) and $82,222 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Karnup cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 46.4% of locals (1,276 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen the region where similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Karnup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% 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 Karnup was lagging that of Perth metro, at 17.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (62.1%) or rented (20.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,857, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Karnup's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 85.6% of all households, comprising 46.8% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.4%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 49.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (36.6%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stops operating within Karnup comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual routes, collectively providing 415 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Karnup residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,557 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

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Karnup was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 72.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Karnup was found to be Christianity, which makes up 36.3% of people in Karnup. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

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At 30 years, Karnup's median age is materially younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Karnup has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.8%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (6.1%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.3% to 15.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.8% to 17.5% and the to group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests Karnup's age profile will evolve significantly by . The to age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by people () from to . Meanwhile, the to cohort grows by a modest ( people).

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Karnup currently has an estimated 239 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 143 children aged 0-2 and 94 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 252 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 348. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 17.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.