Gwelup

Gwelup lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Gwelup statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,835, indicating an increase of 444 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.2% rise from the previously reported population of 5,391. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 5,712 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with validation of eight new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,984 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Gwelup has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the broader SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilizes growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data). Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the Gwelup SA2. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 1,107 persons, reflecting a gain of 18.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Gwelup has experienced around 9 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 46 homes. So far in FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY21 and FY25, 10.3 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market with an average construction cost of $697,000 for new dwellings. In FY26, $6.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating Gwelup's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Gwelup records markedly lower building activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 85.0% houses.

With around 891 people per dwelling approval, Gwelup reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gwelup is expected to grow by 1,098 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Gwelup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Bold Park Community Facilities Upgrade, Stirling City Centre Redevelopment, Osborne Park Hospital Women and Newborn Services Expansion, and Stephenson Avenue Extension. The following details those likely most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Gwelup performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Gwelup has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 0.6% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment grew by 3.8% over the same period. As of September 2025, 3,264 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, below Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing employs only 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 4.7%. Over the past year, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gwelup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Gwelup suburb has a median taxpayer income of $65,783 and an average of $93,993 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is significantly higher than Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,111 (median) and $103,035 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes rank at the 93rd percentile ($2,658 weekly). Income analysis shows that 30.0% of locals (1,750 people) fall into the $4000+ category, contrasting with Greater Perth where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.0%. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 44.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Gwelup, as per the latest Census data, 85.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Perth metro's 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gwelup stood at 42.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Gwelup was $600, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Gwelup's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Gwelup features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.0% of all households, including 45.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.0%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

Gwelup demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Gwelup, the educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 years and above, 39.7% have university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 29.0% in the Small Area 4 (SA4) region. The area's educational advantage is evident with bachelor degrees being the most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 16.5%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows 33 active public transport stops in Gwelup. These are served by buses only. There are 4 routes operating, offering a total of 571 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 205 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 81 daily trips across all routes, which equates to about 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gwelup's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Gwelup's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 65% of Gwelup's total population (3764 people) has private health cover, compared to 60.5% in Greater Perth and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.0% and 6.1% of residents respectively. 71.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.0% in Greater Perth. Gwelup has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1342 people), higher than the 18.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Gwelup had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 13.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Gwelup, accounting for 55.2%. Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.3%, compared to 1.4% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.4%), Australian (23.3%), and Scottish (7.3%). South African (1.2%) and Croatian (1.2%) were notably higher than regional averages of 1.0% and 1.1%, respectively, while Italian was slightly lower at 7.1%.

Gwelup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Gwelup is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's national median of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Gwelup is 6.1%, compared to the Greater Perth figure. The 25-34 age group represents 7.4% of the population, which is less prevalent than in Greater Perth. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.6%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 7.6% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 9.2% to 8.0%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gwelup. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 141%, reaching a total of 857 people from its current figure of 355. Notably, the combined population growth of all age groups above 65 years will account for 66% of the total population increase, reflecting Gwelup's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.