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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Coolbellup is around 6,784, reflecting a 19.1% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,698. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,493 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 2,181 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Coolbellup's growth exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state levels, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% 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.

For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national statistical areas, with Coolbellup expected to grow by 1,011 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.4% increase over the 17 years.

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

Coolbellup has recorded approximately 60 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 303 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling built over this period has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $316,000. This financial year, there have been $400,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Coolbellup has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

Recent construction comprises 72.0% detached dwellings and 28.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting the area's suburban character focused on family homes. With around 112 people per approval, Coolbellup is a developing area. By 2041, it is projected to grow by 572 residents based on current development patterns. New housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Coolbellup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and New Women and Babies Hospital. 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.

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

Coolbellup has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of September 2025, 3,591 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is similar at 71.6%.

According to Census responses, only 6.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes particularly in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Mining employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 7.0%.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.8% alongside labour force growth of 4.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment and labour force grow by 2.9% and 3.0% respectively, with a marginal rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 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 median income in financial year 2023 was $51,161. The average income stood at $64,357. These figures are lower than Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Coolbellup would be approximately $56,083 and $70,548 based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 43rd percentile ($772 weekly) in Coolbellup. Household income sat at the 26th percentile. The largest income segment comprised 32.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,184 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.0% in the same income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coolbellup, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Coolbellup, as per the latest Census, 73.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 26.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolbellup stood at 21.2%, with mortgaged properties at 40.8% and rented ones at 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Coolbellup's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus Australia's 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 comprise 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

In Coolbellup, 29.7% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, slightly higher than the SA3 area average of 27.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas comprising 9.3% and certificates making up 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.

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

Coolbellup has 52 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by seven different routes, offering a total of 1,099 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living within 157 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 80%, while train accounts for 9% and bus for 6%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Coolbellup faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,578 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lagging behind Greater Perth's 59.0%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.6 and 7.9% of residents respectively. However, 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,214 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to have higher cultural diversity than most local areas, 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, making up 37.3% of people there, but Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.9%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (10.4%).

Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and French (0.8%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Coolbellup compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively, while Maori is also slightly overrepresented at 1.0%.

Coolbellup's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coolbellup's median age is 37 years, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 19.9% of Coolbellup's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 5-14 age group makes up 9.5%, lower than Greater Perth's figure. Nationally, the 25-34 age group represents 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has increased from 9.5% to 10.4% of Coolbellup's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.3% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coolbellup's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 666 people from the current 468. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 70% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.