Capel

Population growth drivers in Capel are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Capel's population is estimated at around 2,859 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 253 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,606 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,839 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 43 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Capel has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected for Capel. The suburb is expected to expand by 420 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Capel has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 72 homes were approved, with another 17 approved in FY-26 to date.

This averages out to about 3.3 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. However, supply has lagged behind demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is around $333,000.

Compared to the rest of WA, Capel has seen 10.0% less new development per person, but it ranks in the 77th percentile nationally for areas assessed. Development activity has increased recently. All new constructions have been detached houses, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Capel shows characteristics of a growth area with around 151 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Capel will add approximately 384 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Capel has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that could impact this particular 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 projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Capel demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Capel's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 2.7% and estimated growth of 6.2% in the past year. As of September 2025, 1,523 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA at 67.2%. Home workership was low at 6.4%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Leading 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 limited presence at 8.3% compared to region's 11.7%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident vs working population count. Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 6.2%, labour force by 5.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Rest of WA saw lower increases: employment at 1.4%, labour force at 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 points. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Capel's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% in five years and 12.4% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Capel's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $50,033. The average income for Capel during the same period was $62,712. For Rest of WA, these figures were $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income in Capel will be approximately $54,846 and average income around $68,745, based on a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Capel rank modestly, between the 29th and 30th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 34.0% of Capel's population falls within the $1,500-$2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

Capel's latest Census data shows 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Non-Metro WA has 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Capel is at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.9% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,498, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Capel is $320, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Capel's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,498 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 Rest of WA average.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (33.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Capel has two operational public transport stops, both offering bus services. These stops are served by one route in total, facilitating 11 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents usually residing 944 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Capel's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary transport mode, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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

Capel faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial in both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,489 people), slightly above the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of WA's 56.4%. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (9.7%), with 62.5% reporting no medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Working-age residents have elevated chronic condition rates. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 18.8% (537 people). Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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 shows lower cultural diversity, with 88.9% citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 38.8%. Judaism is not represented in Capel or across Rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.8%), Australian (32.6%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notable differences exist for Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.6%), Dutch (2.5% vs 1.5%), and French (0.8% vs 0.4%) groups in Capel compared to the region.

Capel's median age exceeds the national pattern

Capel has a median age of 41, which is close to Rest of WA's figure of 40 and modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group represents 12.4% of Capel's population compared to Rest of WA, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 11.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.0% to 13.0%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Capel's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 25 to 34 group projected to grow by 48% (161 people), reaching 502 from 340. Population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts.