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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cooloongup is around 7,127, reflecting an increase of 431 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,696. This inference is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 7,125 with an additional validated new address since the Census date. The population density ratio is 599 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and post-2032 estimations, 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. According to these trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Cooloongup, with an expected expansion of 928 persons to reach a total of 8,055 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.9% over the 17 years.

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, with a total of 37 approved between FY21-FY25 and 7 in FY26. This results in around 7 people moving to the area per year for each new dwelling built over the past five financial years. Demand significantly outpaces supply, typically driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $276,000. Commercial approvals this year amount to $5.6 million, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Cooloongup has 88.0% lower building activity per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although recent periods have seen some development activity pick-up. However, this activity remains below the national average, suggesting established nature of the area and potential planning limitations.

All new construction consists of detached dwellings, preserving Cooloongup's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 615 people. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates a growth of 919 residents by 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects that may impact this region. Notable ones are The Rivergums Baldivis, Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Parkland Heights Baldivis, and Seaside Estate Madora Bay. Below is a list of those 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.

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

Cooloongup has a balanced workforce with representation from both 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, 3,104 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 10.2%, which is 6.2 percentage points higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Cooloongup was 60.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 4.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing is notably concentrated with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while the labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment and labour force grow by 2.9% and 3.0% respectively, with only a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Cooloongup had a lower than average income level nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Cooloongup was $48,357 and the average income stood at $58,454. These figures compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Cooloongup would be approximately $53,009 (median) and $64,077 (average) as of September 2025. Census data revealed household incomes in Cooloongup fell between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. Family incomes also fell within this range, with personal incomes being slightly higher at the 12th percentile. Income distribution showed that 30.1% of locals (2,145 people) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Cooloongup, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% 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, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Cooloongup was $300, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Cooloongup's mortgage repayments were 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 prevalent 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 routes, collectively providing 4,309 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car is the dominant mode at 80%, followed by train at 10% and bus at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 4.4% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 615 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 110 weekly trips per 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (around 3,592 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively. However, 59.4% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Cooloongup has a higher proportion of seniors (23.3%, or 1,660 people) than Greater Perth (16.3%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 9.7%, with 31.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.0%. The 'Other' religious category was slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, English was highest at 34.0%, Australian at 25.3%, and Scottish at 7.8%. Notably, Welsh (1.1% vs regional 0.7%), Maori (2.5% vs 0.9%), and New Zealand (1.1% vs 0.8%) were overrepresented.

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 55-64 age group comprises 14.4% of the population in Cooloongup, compared to a lower percentage for the 25-34 cohort at 11.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 6.4% to 8.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 12.8% to 11.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cooloongup. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 66% (406 people), reaching 1,019 from 612. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 74% of total population growth, reflecting Cooloongup's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.