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

Carey Park's population, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS updates and address validation, is around 5,601 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 446 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,155. The change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 5,563 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,376 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Carey Park's growth rate of 8.7% since the census is within 0.2 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities is projected. The suburb of Carey Park is expected to expand by 993 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Carey Park when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Carey Park recorded around 11 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 58 homes. So far in FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 5.4 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25. Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average value of $348,000, under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $79,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Carey Park records markedly lower building activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though construction activity has intensified recently. The area's development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Carey Park indicates a mature market, with around 366 people per approval. Future projections show Carey Park adding 903 residents by 2041, from 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, Carey Park Football Club Upgrades, Glen Iris Commercial & Retail Development, and Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment. 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 has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.8% as of June 2024.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 5.7%. As of June 2025, 2,621 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation in Carey Park is lower at 52.2% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Healthcare has a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.3% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, while labour force increased by 5.4%, resulting in a slight fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from September 2022 suggest potential future demand within Carey Park. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Carey Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 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

Carey Park's median income among taxpayers was $41,698 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $53,600 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of WA, which had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163 in 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,619 (median) and $61,211 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Carey Park all fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominates with 28.2% of residents (1,579 people), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Carey Park, with only 79.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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

Carey Park's residential structures, as per the latest Census, were 79.7% houses and 20.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.1% houses and 11.8% 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 in the area was $1,261, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent figure was $270, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Carey Park's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,261 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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, including 15.4% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.2%, consisting of lone person households at 40.1% and group households at 4.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (34.3%).

Educational participation is high at 26.6%, including 9.8% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. Carey Park Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 281 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 5.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 offer 411 weekly passenger trips. The park's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 158 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 8 weekly trips per individual 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, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (~2715 people), compared to Rest of WA's 54.1%, and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 13.3% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.7%.

Conversely, 57.4% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 66.4%. The area has 18.0% (1008 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors largely mirroring the general population's profile.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The main religion in Carey Park is Christianity, comprising 41.9% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is seen in Other religions, which comprises 0.9% of the population compared to 0.6% across Rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (33.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Scottish (7.1%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori is overrepresented at 1.5% compared to 1.0%, Filipino at 1.9% compared to 1.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.5% compared to 2.4%.

Carey Park's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Carey Park is 39 years, similar to Rest of WA's average of 40 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The percentage of residents aged 15-24 is 13.1%, higher than Rest of WA's figure. However, the 5-14 age group makes up only 10.3% of Carey Park's population, lower compared to Rest of WA. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 11.8% to 13.8%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 13.5% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Carey Park. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 1,197 people from 834. Conversely, the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts are projected to decrease in population.