Coolbellup

Population growth drivers in Coolbellup are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Coolbellup is around 6,557. This reflects an increase of 859 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,698. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 6,533, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,108 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coolbellup's population growth of 15.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and using the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for areas not covered. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 1,026 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.3% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Coolbellup has approximately 62 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 312 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years accommodates about two new residents on average, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes is $316,000, lower than regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $400,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Coolbellup has slightly higher development activity, at 10.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice and support for current property values.

Recent construction consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Coolbellup's suburban character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 107 people per approval, Coolbellup is considered a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 804 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Coolbellup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact the area: North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Kardinya District Centre Activity Centre Plan, and New Women and Babies Hospital are key projects. Relevant details of these projects are listed below.

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

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Coolbellup shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Coolbellup has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.2% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of June 2025, 3,606 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction, with a particularly strong specialization in education & training at 1.3 times the regional level. Mining employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 7.0%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.1% while the labour force grew by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment and labour force growth of 3.7% and 3.8% respectively, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolbellup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Coolbellup's income level is approximately average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Coolbellup's median income among taxpayers is $51,161 and the average income stands at $64,357. These figures compare to Greater Perth's of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,426 (median) and $73,496 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($772 weekly), while household income sits at the 26th percentile. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 32.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,111 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Coolbellup, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolbellup was at 21.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.8% and rented ones at 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, below the Perth metro average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Coolbellup was $300, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Coolbellup's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 57.1% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 37.8% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Coolbellup fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

University qualifications in Coolbellup edge above the SA3 area average, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ having such qualifications compared to the average of 27.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.3% and certificates for 24.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.5% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education. Coolbellup Community School and Coolbellup Learning Centre collectively serve 245 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 949) and limited local school capacity (3.7 places per 100 residents vs 11.4 regionally), with many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in Coolbellup shows that there are 52 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 7 individual routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes facilitate 1,092 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Coolbellup is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 157 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 156 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coolbellup is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Coolbellup faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~3,458 people), which compares to 56.4% across Greater Perth.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.6 and 7.9% of residents respectively. A total of 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,121 people), which is higher than the 14.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

Coolbellup was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolbellup was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 17.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coolbellup, comprising 37.3% of people. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Coolbellup at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.9%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (10.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.8% in Coolbellup versus 0.6% regionally, French at 0.8% compared to 0.5%, and Maori at 1.0% versus 0.9%.

Coolbellup's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coolbellup has a median age of 37, equal to Greater Perth's figure and comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 20.4%, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 85+ age group has grown from 1.7% to 2.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Coolbellup's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 668 people from the current 426. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 67% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.