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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Coolbellup statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,773, showing an increase of 1,075 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 5,698 in this area. This growth reflects an inferred resident population of 6,493 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024, along with additional validation of 97 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,177 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Coolbellup (SA2) experienced an 18.9% growth from the 2021 census, surpassing both the national average (9.7%) and state averages, making it a notable 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 as released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, 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) to estimate post-2032 growth trends. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for national statistical areas, with the Coolbellup (SA2) expected to grow by 1,020 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.6% over the 17-year period.

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

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

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $316,000. This year, $400,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Relative to Greater Perth, Coolbellup's development levels per person are similar, 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 582 residents based on current development patterns.

Coolbellup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact this particular area. Notable projects include the 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 outlines those projects most likely to be 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 highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year.

There were 3,582 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Mining employs only 5.0% of local workers compared to Greater Perth's 7.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 3.8% and labour force grew by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment increase by 2.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% with an unemployment rate of 4.6% compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Coolbellup's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Coolbellup has a lower than average income level nationally, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Coolbellup is $51,161, with an average income of $64,357. These figures compare to those for Greater Perth, which are $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023, as per the Wage Price Index, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,083 (median) and $70,548 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($772 weekly), while household income sits at the 26th percentile. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 32.2% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,180 residents), 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 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

Coolbellup's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's figures of 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 Perth metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Coolbellup was $300, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Coolbellup's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 comprise the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 37.8% and group households making up 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 years 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 also prevalent among residents aged 15 years and above, with a total of 33.5%.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 9.3% of residents and certificates by 24.2%. Educational participation is high in Coolbellup, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. Of those enrolled, 8.3% are 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 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1,099 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 157 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 157 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 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 somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Coolbellup is approximately 53%, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 57.9%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.6% and 7.9% of residents respectively. However, 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.9% across Greater Perth. Coolbellup has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.1%, with 1,158 people falling into this age category compared to Greater Perth's 14.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Coolbellup present some challenges that require more attention than the broader 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 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. The dominant religion in Coolbellup is Christianity, comprising 37.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.9%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (10.4%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.8% compared to 0.6% regionally, 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

Coolbellup's median age in 2021 was 37 years, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years old showed strong representation at 20.4%, higher than Greater Perth's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age group was less prevalent at 9.5%. Nationally, the 25-34 age group comprised 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 85+ age group has increased from 1.7% to 2.6% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coolbellup's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 51%, reaching 666 people from the initial 440. This growth reflects an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 75% of the projected population increase. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to experience population declines.