Coogee (WA)

Coogee lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on demographic evaluations of ABS releases for the surrounding region, alongside new address points verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Coogee (WA) is calculated to be approximately 6,301 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 956 residents (17.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the head count stood at 5,345 people. The adjustment is derived from the resident population of 6,265, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS's updated ERP figures from June 2025 and 147 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio reaches 1,184 persons per square kilometer, which is consistent with the averages recorded across locations monitored by AreaSearch. The 17.9% increase in the suburb of Coogee (WA) since the 2021 census outperformed the national growth rate of 9.3%, as well as the state metric, establishing the locality as a regional leader in expansion. Population gains were primarily fueled by overseas arrivals, which accounted for roughly 42.0% of the overall increase, though all sources including interstate relocations and natural growth made positive contributions.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 district, published in 2024 with 2022 serving as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this data, and to model trends after 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth trends from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 using 2022 data. Future projections indicate that the suburb of Coogee (WA) will experience population expansion exceeding the national median, with the locality projected to add 1,145 residents by 2041 under aggregated SA2-level modeling, representing an overall rise of 17.6% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Coogee among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

According to building approval figures from the ABS mapped by AreaSearch from broader spatial datasets, Coogee typically averages about 33 residential approvals annually, amounting to an estimated 167 properties over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 36 approvals have been logged. With an average of 5.5 new residents added for each completed residence over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping supply. This imbalance generally drives up property values and intensifies homebuyer competition, while new builds average a construction value of $404,000, showing that developers are focusing on higher-end luxury builds. Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $2.8 million have been registered in the current financial year, showing a subdued focus on business developments.

Relative to Greater Perth, Coogee generates roughly 63% of the per capita building volume, placing it in the 62nd percentile of all areas evaluated nationwide. Residential construction consists of 90.0% standalone houses and 10.0% semi-detached or multi-unit dwellings, reinforcing the traditional suburban style of the area with spacious houses suited for families. The ratio of residents to each home approval stands at approximately 238 people, leaving capacity for further development.

Looking forward, Coogee is anticipated to add 1,109 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. The pace of construction remains reasonably aligned with the projected growth rate, though buyers may face heightened competition as the local population increases.

Coogee has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Nothing shapes local market performance like alterations to transport, major developments, and municipal planning. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects in total that are expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include Windfall Residences Port Coogee, Spearwood Housing Project - Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, and Discovery Parks Coogee Beach Redevelopment, with the details of the most significant ones listed below.

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.

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

Coogee features a skilled labor market with prominent manufacturing and industrial employment, accompanied by an unemployment rate of only 2.8% according to AreaSearch's compiled regional statistics. In March 2026, there are 3,473 working residents, which keeps the local unemployment rate 1.4% below the 4.2% rate for Greater Perth. Workforce participation is slightly soft at 67.4% compared to the 70.2% recorded across Greater Perth. Census responses show that a low 8.6% of employees worked from home, though this figure may be skewed by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The principal sectors of employment for local residents are healthcare and social assistance, construction, and retail trade. On the other hand, accommodation and food service representation is relatively weak at 4.8% compared to the regional benchmark of 6.8%. The area is mostly residential and appears to offer few local jobs, judging by the comparison between the Census working population and resident population statistics.

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional data, the local labor force contracted by 0.5% during the year ending March 2026, while employment fell by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand trends in Coogee. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Although nationwide employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of growth differ widely by sector. Applying these industry projections directly to the local workforce mix suggests Coogee's employment could grow by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, noting that this is a simple weighted extrapolation and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to the latest ATO postcode statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Coogee earn a median income of $61,836 and an average income of $78,799. These figures sit well above the national averages, comparing to a median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $68,595 for the median and $87,412 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed Coogee's household, family, and individual incomes around the 69th percentile nationally. The weekly earnings distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which accounts for 26.3% of residents (1,657 people), similar to regional trends where this cohort makes up 32.0%. High-income earners are prominent, with 35.7% bringing in more than $3,000 weekly, which points to substantial purchasing power. After paying for housing, households keep 87.5% of their earnings, and the area's SEIFA index for income ranks it in the 7th decile.

Coogee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Residential property types in Coogee at the time of the latest Census consisted of 86.2% standalone houses and 13.8% other options such as townhouses, units, or apartments, compared to the Perth metropolitan averages of 77.8% and 22.1% respectively. Home ownership without a mortgage in Coogee was significantly higher than the Perth metropolitan average at 49.9%, with remaining residences being purchased with a mortgage (38.7%) or occupied by tenants (11.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was $2,500, notably higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907, while the median weekly rent stood at $430 compared to the Perth metro figure of $350. Nationally, Coogee's home loan payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are also well above the national benchmark of $375.

Coogee features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Families make up the majority of local households at 80.1%, consisting of couples with children at 37.7%, couples without children at 34.7%, and single parent households at 6.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.9%, with single-person households representing 18.8% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the average across Greater Perth.

The educational profile of Coogee exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Coogee is below regional averages, with 24.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally. This difference indicates opportunities for further educational growth and skills training. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these areas, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 27.1%.

Enrolment in education is remarkably strong, with 27.3% of the population currently undertaking formal studies. This group includes 9.2% in primary schools, 7.7% in secondary schools, and 5.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport analysis shows 19 active stops located inside Coogee, which are serviced by buses. These stops are linked to 3 separate routes, supporting a total of 468 passenger journeys per week. Access to transport is rated as good, with residents living an average of 264 meters from the nearest connection point. As a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 88%, and trains accounting for 6%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per home, which is above the regional average. A low 8.6% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Service frequency averages 66 journeys daily across the transport network, which translates to roughly 24 weekly journeys per individual stop.

Coogee's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health data reveals excellent overall outcomes in Coogee, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and chronic disease metrics. There is a low occurrence of common health conditions across all demographics, and the level of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering roughly 58% of the population (3,684 people).

The most prevalent health issues recorded among residents were arthritis at 8.2% and mental health conditions at 6.0%, while 72.4% of the population reported no long-term illnesses, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age population is exceptionally healthy with low chronic illness rates. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.7% of the population (1,619 people), exceeding the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Seniors in this area exhibit very strong health profiles, with national rankings aligning closely with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Coogee was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coogee exhibits higher cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 17.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 31.4% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, followed by 63.0% of the community, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry based on parental birthplaces, the three most common backgrounds in Coogee are English at 26.1%, Australian at 20.0%, and Italian at 12.7%, which is much higher than the regional benchmark of 4.2%. Furthermore, specific backgrounds show high concentration: Croatian is highly represented at 6.3% of Coogee (compared to 0.8% regionally), Serbian at 0.9% (compared to 0.3%), and South Australian at 0.9% (compared to 1.0%).

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

The median age of Coogee residents is 47 years, which is much older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 13.5% relative to Greater Perth, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 8.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 7.1% to 8.8% of the population, and the 85+ bracket has risen from 2.0% to 3.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 bracket decreased from 14.6% to 13.0%. Projections indicate Coogee's age structure will change notably by 2041. The 75 to 84 group is set for the largest growth at 64%, adding 357 residents to total 912. Seniors aged 65+ will account for 69% of the population growth, highlighting the aging trend. Meanwhile, population drops are expected in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 brackets.