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 Nov 2025, Carey Park's population is estimated at around 5,603 people. This reflects an increase of 448 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,155 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of Carey Park's resident population as 5,565 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,376 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Carey Park's growth rate of 8.7% since census is within 1.0 percentage points of the national average (9.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, Carey Park is expected to expand by 993 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 16.1% over the 17 years.

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 in Carey Park shows approximately 10 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 50 homes. In FY26 so far, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.3 new residents are associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25. This supply lag indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings valued at an average of $348,000.

Commercial development approvals totalled $79,000 in this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of WA, Carey Park has substantially reduced construction levels (69.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also under the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Carey Park's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those 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.

With approximately 549 people per approval, Carey Park indicates a mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Carey Park will grow by 901 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Carey Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely influencing the area. Key projects are SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, Glen Iris Commercial & Retail Development, Carey Park Football Club Upgrades, and Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment.

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

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

Carey Park's workforce spans both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate was 7.1% in the year ending September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%.

As of that month, 2,644 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.9%, above Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.2% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with healthcare notably concentrated at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.3%, while regionally it was 9.3%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 6.4% and labour force by 5.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) indicate a potential increase in Carey Park's local employment by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Carey Park's current employment mix.

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 2023. The average income stood at $53,600 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of WA which were $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project Carey Park's median income to be approximately $45,709 and average income to be around $58,756, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Carey Park fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominates with 28.2% of residents (1,580 people), whereas in surrounding regions, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates 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, comprised 79.7% houses and 20.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carey Park was 24.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 46.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,261, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent in Carey Park was $270, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Carey Park's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,261 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 constitute 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 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 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 8.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas comprise 8.2% and certificates account for 34.3%.

Educational participation is 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. The park's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average being located just 158 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 58 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 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. The rate of private health cover is low at approximately 48% (~2,716 people), compared to 55.4% across Rest of WA and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues impact 13.3% and arthritis affects 10.7% of residents.

Conversely, 57.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in Rest of WA. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,008 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.5% of its population being citizens, 80.8% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Carey Park was Christianity, accounting for 41.9% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 0.9% of Carey Park's population, compared to 0.6% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Scottish (7.1%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori was overrepresented at 1.5%, Filipino at 1.9%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.5%.

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

The median age in Carey Park is 39 years, similar to Rest of WA's average of 40 and aligned with Australia's 38 years. The percentage of individuals aged 15-24 is 13.1%, higher than Rest of WA's figure, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 11.8% to 13.8% between censuses, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 13.5% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Carey Park. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 1,198 individuals from 834. Conversely, the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.