Capel

Population growth drivers in Capel are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Capel is around 2,856, reflecting a growth of 250 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 9.6% rise from the previous population count of 2,606. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch stands at 2,809, which was derived following an examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and the validation of 13 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 43 persons per square kilometer in Capel. The suburb's population growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in its region. The growth is attributed to balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch has adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and for estimating growth post-2032, AreaSearch uses 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 these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected outside capital cities. By 2041, Capel's population is projected to increase by 426 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Capel when compared nationally

Capel has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 72 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 3.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This supply lagging behind demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $333,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. There have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential.

Capel records 10.0% less building activity per person than the Rest of WA but ranks among the 78th percentile nationally for development activity, which has picked up recently. All new construction since FY-21 has been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with around 147 people moving in for each dwelling approval. Capel is projected to add 389 residents by 2041, indicating steady market conditions without extreme price pressure, supported by current development matching future needs.

Capel has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Busselton Margaret River Airport Expansion, City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, and Bunbury Offshore Wind Project (North). The following list details those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Capel exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Capel has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% and estimated employment growth of 6.0% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,508 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA at 59.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Mining has a limited presence, at 8.3% compared to 11.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 6.0%, while labour force grew by 5.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Capel's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Capel's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $50,033. The average income stood at $62,712 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of WA had median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively in the same year. Based on a 14.2% growth from June 2022 to September 2025 as per the Wage Price Index, estimated current incomes would be approximately $57,138 (median) and $71,617 (average). According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Capel ranked modestly, between the 29th and 30th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 34.0% of Capel's population fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which was consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Capel, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile.

Capel is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Capel's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Capel stood at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.9% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,498, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent in Capel was $320, higher than Non-Metro WA's figure of $300. Nationally, Capel's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded on 12th June 2021, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375, as of the same date.

Capel has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.9% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

Educational outcomes in Capel fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (33.5%).

Educational participation is high at 29.6%, including primary education (12.1%), secondary education (10.5%), and tertiary education (2.0%). The area has two schools serving 420 students: Capel Primary School and South-West John Calvin Christian College. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities, having an ICSEA value of 1016. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Capel has two active public transport stops in operation, both serving buses. These stops are served by a single route combined, offering 11 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents on average located 944 meters away from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, which equates to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Capel is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health issues in Capel. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, compared to the average SA2 area's 54.1%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (9.7%). 62.5% of residents report no medical ailments, versus 66.4% in Rest of WA. Capel has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 17.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Capel is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Capel's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.9% being Australian citizens and 85.5% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 97.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 38.8%.

Jewish population was equally low at 0%, matching the regional average. The top three ancestral groups were English (35.8%), Australian (32.6%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notable differences existed in Welsh (0.9% vs 0.6%), Dutch (2.5% vs 1.6%), and French (0.8% vs 0.4%) populations compared to the rest of WA.

Capel hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Capel's median age is 41, closely matching Rest of WA's figure of 40 and slightly exceeding Australia's national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 12.4%, higher than Rest of WA, while the 55-64 cohort stands at 11.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.6% to 12.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.8% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 11.4%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.7%. By 2041, Capel's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 61% (190 people), reaching 505 from 314. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.