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

According to evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Coolbellup has a population projected at approximately 6,668 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 970 individuals (17.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,698 individuals. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 6,581, calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ERP release from the ABS (June 2025) plus 110 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Such population levels yield a density ratio of 2,144 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for national locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The growth rate of 17.0% since the 2021 census outstripped the national average (9.3%), as well as the state, positioning the suburb of Coolbellup as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the area was chiefly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 56.99999999999999% of total population increases recently, though all components including natural growth and interstate migration made positive contributions.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and to project trends beyond 2032, AreaSearch utilizes growth rates by age group from the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at future demographic changes, population growth exceeding the median for national statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb of Coolbellup projected to add 952 individuals by 2041 based on compiled SA2-level forecasts, representing an expansion of 13.0% overall across the 16 years.

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

Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch, distributed from statistical area datasets, shows that Coolbellup has averaged approximately 60 new dwellings approved annually, with a total of 302 homes approved during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 49 registered during FY-26. An average of 2.7 new residents were added per year for each home constructed over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that bolsters real estate values, with new dwellings being built at an average cost of $316,000. Furthermore, $400,000 in commercial building approvals were documented during this financial year, pointing to a heavily residential concentration.

Relative to Greater Perth, Coolbellup maintains comparable building rates (per resident), preserving a supply-demand equilibrium in line with the wider metropolitan area. New residential building consists of 72.0% separate houses and 28.0% semi-detached properties or apartments, reinforcing the suburban character of the area with a focus on family dwellings designed for residents wanting space. With approximately 121 people per approval, Coolbellup displays the characteristics of a growing locality.

Future projections indicate Coolbellup will add 865 residents up to 2041 (calculated from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures). With current construction velocities, new dwelling supply is expected to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially fostering expansion that outpaces current population forecasts.

Coolbellup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Few factors influence local market performance as significantly as changes in regional infrastructure, major works, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to affect the area. Major developments include the North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, the Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, the Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and the New Women and Babies Hospital, with the following list detailing those of primary relevance.

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Employment performance in Coolbellup has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Coolbellup possesses a highly qualified workforce, with a strong presence in essential services industries, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and steady employment levels over the course of the past year, according to compiled statistical area data from AreaSearch. As of March 2026, there are 3,591 working residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.7% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and labor participation closely matching the Greater Perth benchmark of 70.2%. Census data indicates a low 6.6% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 restrictions during that period must be kept in mind.

Resident employment is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The locality displays a marked specialization in education & training, with its employment share reaching 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining accounts for only 5.0% of local workers, which is below the Greater Perth level of 7.0%. The highly residential nature of the locality suggests that local employment opportunities are limited, as shown by comparing the Census working population against the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch research into SALM and ABS statistics compiled from wider statistical zones, the recent 12-month period experienced a labour force contraction of 0.6% alongside a decrease in employment of 0.3%, resulting in a decline in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. This stands in contrast to Greater Perth, which saw employment grow by 2.0%, the labour force expand by 2.5%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand trends in Coolbellup. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry-level forecasts onto the Coolbellup employment structure suggests local employment should expand by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (note this is a basic weighted projection for visualization purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Income levels in Coolbellup are below the national average according to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers is $51,161 and the average income is $64,357, compared to Greater Perth values of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current projections indicate figures of approximately $56,753 (median) and $71,391 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual income sits at the 43rd percentile ($772 weekly), while household earnings are at the 26th percentile. Income segmentation shows the largest group consists of 32.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,147 residents), which aligns with metropolitan patterns showing 32.0% in this bracket. Housing affordability pressure is significant, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area at the 22nd percentile.

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

Residential property types in Coolbellup at the time of the latest Census consisted of 73.3% houses and 26.7% alternative dwellings (townhouses, flats, and other configurations), compared to the Perth metro distribution of 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership in Coolbellup was below the Perth metro average at 21.2%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (40.8%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment was notably lower than the Perth metro average at $1,600, while the median weekly rent stood at $300, compared to Perth metro averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Coolbellup mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rental costs are also well below the national median of $375.

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

Families represent the majority of households at 57.1%, which comprises 20.1% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households comprising 37.8% and group households at 5.0%. The median household size of 2.1 people is lower 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

The proportion of residents with university qualifications in Coolbellup (29.7% of individuals aged 15+) is slightly above the SA3 regional average (27.4%), pointing to solid academic foundations relative to the broader area. Bachelor degrees represent the largest segment at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational and technical training is also prominent, with 33.5% of individuals aged 15+ holding qualifications – including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (24.2%).

Engagement in education is high, with 28.2% of residents enrolled in formal studies. This distribution features 8.3% attending primary school, 7.5% in tertiary programs, and 5.9% in secondary school.

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

Public transport data shows 52 active transit stops in Coolbellup, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 7 distinct routes, which combine to support 1,099 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 157 meters from their nearest stop. Being mainly a residential suburb, most working residents commute out of the area - private vehicles are the main transport choice at 80%, with 9% using trains and 6% utilizing buses. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.1 per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A relatively small 6.6% of working residents work from home (2021 Census; likely reflecting pandemic conditions).

Service frequency averages 157 trips daily across all transport routes, representing approximately 21 weekly trips per individual transit stop.

Health performance in Coolbellup is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health metrics point to notable difficulties in Coolbellup, based on AreaSearch analysis of death rates and chronic condition prevalence, which is apparent in both younger and older demographics, while the level of private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the population (~3,517 people). This compares to 59.0% recorded for Greater Perth.

The most prevalent health issues in the locality were mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 11.6 and 7.9% of the population, respectively, while 65.7% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age citizens show higher than average rates of chronic health conditions. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 17.3% of the community (1,153 people), which exceeds the 16.1% average in Greater Perth. Health outcomes for older residents present some difficulties, with national rankings aligning with overall population trends.

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

Coolbellup exhibits a higher level of cultural diversity than most property markets, with 17.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 31.7% born in another country. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 37.3% of local residents. The most noticeable demographic concentration relative to average levels is in Judaism, which makes up 0.2% of the local population compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry (based on parental place of birth), the three most common backgrounds in Coolbellup are English at 27.9%, Australian at 22.9%, and Other at 10.4%. There are also distinct concentrations of other backgrounds: Welsh ancestry is overrepresented at 0.8% of the Coolbellup population (compared to 0.7% across the region), French at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%), and Maori at 1.0% (compared to 0.9%).

Coolbellup's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Coolbellup matches the Greater Perth average of 37 and is close to the Australian average of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 20.9% compared to Greater Perth, while the 5 - 14 group is less common at 9.4%. This concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national share of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has expanded from 19.6% to 20.9% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has contracted from 12.3% to 10.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts indicate notable shifts in the age structure of Coolbellup. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 49% (217 people), increasing from 446 to 664. This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged 65+ accounting for 59% of the projected population growth, while the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to see population contractions.