South Kalgoorlie (WA)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new locations validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of South Kalgoorlie is estimated to be approximately 4,683 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 267 people (6.0%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 4,416 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 4,679, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale translates to a density ratio of 1,525 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national locations assessed by Districts. The 6.0% growth since census in the suburb of South Kalgoorlie positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.5%), showing competitive growth indicators. Demographic growth for the area was majorly driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 58% of overall population increases during recent periods.

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South Kalgoorlie features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 4.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,561 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (71.9% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 2.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of South Kalgoorlie shows a median taxpayer income of $64,664 and an average of $74,924 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is well above average nationally, contrasting with Regional WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,732 (median) and $83,113 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in South Kalgoorlie, between the 77th and 83rd percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.9% of residents (1,681 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents . The substantial proportion of high earners ( above /week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout South Kalgoorlie. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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Dwelling structure within South Kalgoorlie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.3% houses and 16.7% 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 South Kalgoorlie was lagging that of Regional WA, at 17.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.9%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional WA average at $1,472, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, South Kalgoorlie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 68.4% of all households, comprising 31.2% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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The region experiences educational obstacles, with university qualification rates (12.2%) majorly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a hurdle and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (35.9%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within South Kalgoorlie comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 126 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 2.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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South Kalgoorlie experiences notable health difficulties, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~2,666 people).

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South Kalgoorlie was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 16.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.7% born overseas. The main religion in South Kalgoorlie was found to be Christianity, which makes up 46.5% of people in South Kalgoorlie. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 0.5% across Regional WA.

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At 33 years, South Kalgoorlie's median age is considerably lower than the Regional WA average of 40 similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional WA, South Kalgoorlie has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (18.6%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (7.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.5% to 18.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.6% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests South Kalgoorlie's age profile will evolve significantly by . The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . In contrast, both + and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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South Kalgoorlie currently has an estimated 360 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 198 children aged 0-2 and 132 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 444 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 493. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.