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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Cooloongup is around 7,103. This reflects an increase of 407 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,696. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,104, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 597 persons per square kilometer. Cooloongup's growth rate of 6.1% since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 933 persons, reflecting a gain of 13.3% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Cooloongup has had approximately 7 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 37 homes were approved, with another 6 in FY26 so far. Each year, about 7 people have moved to the area for each new dwelling built over these five years.

This high demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $273,000, lower than regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY26, there have been $93,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a primarily residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Cooloongup has significantly lower building activity, at 88% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction can reinforce demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, recent periods have seen increased development activity. New construction in Cooloongup is entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated 643 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet, low-activity development environment. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 947 residents. 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 top 50% nationally

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

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

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

Cooloongup's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 13.7% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 1.8%.

As of June 2025, 3,185 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 9.9%, significantly higher than Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.2% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.6%, against a regional average of 8.2%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 5.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 3.7%, labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cooloongup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Cooloongup's median income among taxpayers was $48,357 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $58,454 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Cooloongup would be approximately $55,224 (median) and $66,754 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Cooloongup all fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 30.1% of locals (2,138 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999, which mirrors the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cooloongup, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Cooloongup's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooloongup stood at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.0% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,313, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Cooloongup was $300, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Cooloongup's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than 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 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 prominent, 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%). Cooloongup Primary School and East Waikiki Primary School serve a total of 721 students, with the area having varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 919). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The school places per 100 residents is 10.2, below the regional average of 17.0, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Cooloongup has 38 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with 11 individual routes in total. Collectively, these routes provide 3,008 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to public transport, with an average distance of 176 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 429 trips per day, which equates to approximately 79 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% (~3,580 people) have private health cover, compared to 55.3% in Greater Perth.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.6 and 10.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 59.4% report having no medical ailments, lower than the 68.5% in Greater Perth. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.3% (1,583 people), compared to 15.6% in Greater Perth. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile.

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

Cooloongup, as per the census data from June 2016, exhibited higher than average cultural diversity with 9.7% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 31.8% being born overseas. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Cooloongup, accounting for 41.0% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 0.9% of Cooloongup's population, slightly higher than the 0.7% recorded across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.0%), Australian (25.3%), and Scottish (7.8%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh was overrepresented at 1.1%, Maori at 2.5%, and New Zealand-born residents at 1.1%.

Cooloongup hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Cooloongup is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years, and also considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 is strongly represented at 14.4% compared to Greater Perth, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 11.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.1%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.1%. However, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cooloongup. Leading this shift is the 75 to 84 age group, which is expected to grow by 76%, reaching 1,015 people from 575. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting Cooloongup's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.