Carey Park

An assessment of population growth drivers in Carey Park reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Carey Park is around 5,678, reflecting a growth of 523 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 10.1% change from the previous population count of 5,155. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. Additionally, 11 new addresses were validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,395 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carey Park's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census surpasses the national average of 9.3%, indicating it as a region leading in population growth.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors like interstate migration and natural growth also playing positive roles. AreaSearch is utilizing 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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, Carey Park is projected to experience above median population growth nationally, with an expected increase of 945 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.5% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Carey Park recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Carey Park averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 50 homes. In FY-26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. Based on historical data between FY-21 and FY-25, there were approximately 5.8 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed. This has led to demand significantly exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $348,000. There have been $79,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of WA, where Carey Park has significantly less development activity (69.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, sustaining Carey Park's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (80.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

The location has approximately 553 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, Carey Park is expected to grow by 937 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Carey Park has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, Glen Iris Commercial & Retail Development, Carey Park Football Club Upgrades, and Hay Park Netball Courts Refurbishment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market performance in Carey Park lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Carey Park's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate was 7.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3%. As of December 2025, 2,647 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional WA's at 3.5%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation is lower too, at 59.9% compared to Regional WA's 66.0%. Only 2.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 1.3%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while labour force grew by 5.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional WA saw employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carey Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Carey Park is $41,698 and average income is $53,600. This is lower than national averages of $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). In Regional WA, the median income is $59,973 and average income is $74,392. Assuming a 10.93% increase based on Wage Price Index growth since June 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $46,256 (median) and $59,458 (average). Census data from 2021 shows Carey Park's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Carey Park is dominated by the $800 - $1,499 bracket with 28.2% of residents (1,601 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Carey Park, with only 79.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Carey Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Carey Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.7% houses and 20.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carey Park was at 24.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 46.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,261, lower than Regional WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Carey Park was $270, compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, Carey Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,261 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $270.

Carey Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.8% of all households, consisting of 15.4% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 45.2%, with lone person households at 40.1% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Carey Park faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (34.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Carey Park has 50 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 411 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 158 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Carey Park, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 2.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, there are an average of 58 trips per day, resulting in approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Carey Park is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Carey Park faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,752 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 13.3% and 10.7% of residents respectively. However, 57.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Working-age population health is notably impacted by high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,033 people), lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings but present some challenges.

Carey Park ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Carey Park's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.9% of Carey Park's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 0.9% compared to Regional WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Scottish (7.1%). Significant differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori at 1.5% versus regional 1.0%, Filipino at 1.9% versus 1.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.5% versus 6.1%.

Carey Park's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Carey Park is 39 years, similar to Regional WA's average of 40 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.0% of the population compared to Regional WA, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.8% to 14.1%, whereas the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 12.3% and the 85+ group has dropped from 3.4% to 2.3%. Population forecasts for Carey Park indicate significant demographic shifts by 2041, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 41%, reaching 1,204 people from its current figure of 851. Conversely, the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.