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

Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the broader region and new locations validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Gwelup is calculated to be approximately 5,676 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 285 individuals (5.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,391 individuals. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,639, calculated by AreaSearch following analysis of the most recent ERP data publication by the ABS (June 2025) alongside an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,930 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national areas evaluated by AreaSearch. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Gwelup has shown strong growth trends with a 2.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 area. Population expansion for the locality was chiefly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 67.0% of total demographic gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline year. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth across all areas in the years after 2032, AreaSearch uses the cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its most recent Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Factoring in the expected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area projected to expand by 1,000 persons to 2041 based on compiled SA2-level projections, representing a gain of 17.0% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Gwelup recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval statistics, distributed from statistical area data, Gwelup has seen approximately 10 residential properties approved for construction each year, summing to an estimated 50 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 52 approvals have been documented. With an average of 4.1 new residents per year for each home constructed over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is lagging behind demand to a major degree, which generally results in elevated competition among buyers, creating upward price pressures, while new properties are built at an average value of $697,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $6.8 million in commercial approvals have been logged this financial year, pointing to the residential nature of the locality.

Compared to Greater Perth, Gwelup exhibits much less development activity (59.0% below the regional average per person). This lack of new homes generally bolsters demand and prices for existing properties, although construction activity has grown stronger of late. This level is also below the average seen nationwide, indicating the maturity of the area and pointing to potential planning constraints. New building activity consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the suburban identity of the area with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers looking for space. At approximately 403 people per approval, Gwelup shows a mature market.

Demographic forecasts point to Gwelup gaining 963 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current building levels continue, housing supply could fall behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gwelup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Few factors can affect a location's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major developments and planning initiatives. In total, two projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bold Park Community Facilities Upgrade, Stirling City Centre Redevelopment, Osborne Park Hospital Women and Newborn Services Expansion, and the Stephenson Avenue Extension, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 professional services showing high representation, an unemployment rate of only 0.6%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the last year, based on AreaSearch compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,208 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.6% below the rate of 4.2% in Greater Perth, and workforce participation is generally close to the 70.2% observed in Greater Perth. Based on Census answers, a low 12.4% of residents were found to work from home, though COVID-19 lockdown effects should be kept in mind.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area exhibits a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical fields, with an employment share that is 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented, employing only 2.6% of Gwelup's workforce compared to 4.7% in Greater Perth. The mostly residential area seems to present limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the comparison of the Census working population against the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, compiled from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels rose by 3.5% and the labour force expanded by 3.5%, with unemployment staying virtually unchanged. By comparison, Greater Perth documented employment growth of 2.0%, labour force growth of 2.5%, with unemployment climbing 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 can provide additional context regarding future demand within Gwelup. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been matched to the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary greatly across industry sectors. Applying these sector-specific projections to Gwelup's employment composition suggests local employment should expand by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population projections).

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

The suburb of Gwelup's income scale is among the highest in Australia according to the most recent ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Gwelup's median income among taxpayers is $65,783 and the average income is $93,993, which compares to figures for Greater Perth of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,973 (median) and $104,266 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household incomes rank exceptionally at the 93rd percentile ($2,658 weekly). Income brackets show the largest group covers 30.0% of locals (1,702 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from trends in the surrounding region where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The area shows significant affluence with 44.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service businesses. After housing costs, residents keep 87.1% of income, showing strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking puts it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Gwelup, as measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the rate of home ownership within Gwelup was far ahead of Perth metro, at 42.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (47.0%) or rented (10.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Perth metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $600, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Gwelup's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up the majority at 79.0% of all households, comprising 45.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.0%, with single person households at 19.4% and group households making up 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Gwelup significantly exceeds broader benchmarks, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This notable educational lead positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational skills are also prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (16.5%).

Educational enrolment is remarkably high, with 30.0% of residents currently in formal study. This includes 11.4% in primary schools, 8.7% in secondary schools, and 5.1% pursuing higher education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 33 active transport stops operating within Gwelup comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 571 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 12% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 12.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 81 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gwelup's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates positive outcomes for Gwelup residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results generally in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the overall population, although it is higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (3,661 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.0 and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 71.4% declared themselves completely free of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,322 people), which is higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally 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 was found to have greater cultural diversity than the vast majority of local markets, with 13.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.5% born overseas. The primary religion in Gwelup was found to be Christianity, which accounts for 55.2% of people in Gwelup. However, the most visible overrepresentation was in Judaism, which makes up 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry (parental country of birth), the top three represented groups in Gwelup are English, making up 29.4% of the population, Australian, making up 23.3% of the population, and Scottish, making up 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable differences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Gwelup (vs 1.0% regionally), Croatian at 1.2% (vs 0.8%) and Italian at 7.1% (vs 4.2%).

Gwelup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in the suburb of Gwelup is significantly above Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly older than Australia's 38 years. The 85+ age group shows strong representation at 5.9% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 7.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has expanded from 9.8% to 12.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 7.6% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 group has decreased from 6.7% to 5.2% and the 65 to 74 group fell from 9.2% to 8.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 point to major demographic changes for the suburb of Gwelup. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 122% (410 people), reaching 745 from 334. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, showing the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.