Cooloongup

Cooloongup is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Cooloongup statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,127. This figure represents an increase of 431 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,696. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,125 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 599 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilizing 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 uses the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for the Cooloongup (SA2), with an expected expansion of 937 persons to reach a total population of 8,064 by 2041. This reflects a gain of 13.0% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cooloongup according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Cooloongup has seen approximately 7 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis using statistical area data. Between FY21 and FY25, around 37 homes were approved, with another 7 in FY26 so far. Each year, about 7 people move to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This high demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $276,000. In FY26, there have been $5.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Cooloongup has significantly lower building activity, at 88.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity, although it remains under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. All new constructions since FY21 have been detached dwellings, preserving Cooloongup's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 615 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cooloongup is expected to grow by 927 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Cooloongup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include The Rivergums Baldivis, Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Parkland Heights Baldivis, and Seaside Estate Madora Bay. 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.

Employment conditions in Cooloongup face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cooloongup has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 14.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of September 2025, there were 3,104 residents employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Greater Perth's at 10.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.5%, but unemployment rose by 2.2 percentage points due to labour force growth of 4.0%. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9% and unemployment increase marginally. State-level data from 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years in Cooloongup, based on industry-specific projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Cooloongup's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Cooloongup is $48,357 and the average income stands at $58,454. In comparison, Greater Perth's figures are $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,009 (median) and $64,077 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Cooloongup fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 30.1% of locals (2,145 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the regional figure of 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

Cooloongup's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooloongup was at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.0% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,313, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Cooloongup was $300, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Cooloongup's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.1% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Cooloongup faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (34.5%).

Educational participation is high at 26.6%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (7.8%), and tertiary education (2.6%).

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

Cooloongup has 39 active public transport stops, served by a mix of trains and buses. These stops are covered by 15 different routes, offering a total of 4,309 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 176 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 615 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 110 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cooloongup is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Cooloongup faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 50% (~3592 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Perth's 56.6%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively. However, 59.4% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 68.5%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (22.3%, 1589 people), compared to Greater Perth's 15.6%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the broader population's health profile.

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

Cooloongup had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.8% born overseas by 2016 Census data. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cooloongup, making up 41.0%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 0.9%, slightly higher than the Greater Perth average of 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (25.3%), and Scottish (7.8%). Welsh was overrepresented at 1.1% compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori at 2.5% versus 2.0%, and New Zealand at 1.1%.

Cooloongup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Cooloongup is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 has a strong representation at 14.4%, compared to Greater Perth, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 11.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.0% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cooloongup. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 76%, reaching 1,016 people from 577. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.