Spearwood

Spearwood 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 November 2025, Spearwood's population is estimated at around 12,005 people. This reflects an increase of 1,061 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,944 people in the suburb. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,949 based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,968 persons per square kilometer for Spearwood, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spearwood's population growth rate of 9.7% since the 2021 census surpassed the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. Spearwood is expected to grow by 2,519 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Spearwood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Spearwood recorded approximately 71 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 358 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and a further 21 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, four new residents were expected per home built during these years.

This demand exceeded new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties was $376,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. Commercial approvals totalled $3.5 million in the current financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity.

Spearwood showed approximately 66% of Greater Perth's construction activity per person and ranked among the 75th percentile of areas assessed nationally based on new dwelling approvals. New developments consisted of 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% attached dwellings, preserving Spearwood's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 163 people per dwelling approval, Spearwood exhibited characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Spearwood is forecasted to gain approximately 2,744 residents by 2041. Development pace has been keeping reasonable pace with projected population growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region. Key initiatives include Spearwood Housing Project by Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, Shoreline North Coogee, and Windfall Residences Port Coogee.

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.

Spearwood shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Spearwood has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 6.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.2%.

As of June 2025, 6,580 residents were employed, an unemployment rate of 2.2% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 60.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows strong specialization, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 8.2%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, and labour force by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Spearwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Spearwood was $56,178 and average income stood at $70,714. This compares to Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year ending June 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $64,155 (median) and $80,755 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income in Spearwood ranks at the 32nd percentile, family income at the 35th percentile, and personal income at the 38th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 30.5% of residents (3,661 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, consistent with metropolitan trends showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile. Spearwood's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Spearwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 73.6% houses and 26.4% other dwellings. In contrast, Perth metro had 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spearwood was at 36.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.5% and rented ones at 29.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure for Spearwood was $350, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Spearwood's mortgage repayments were lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.7% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Spearwood shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area has university qualification rates at 20.0%, 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 prevalent at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.4%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education. Spearwood's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 536 students and demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016) with balanced educational opportunities. The 3 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.4, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Spearwood has 60 active public transport stops, all of which are bus routes. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1416 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 187 meters to the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average of 202 daily trips, equating to about 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Spearwood is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Spearwood faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55%, covering around 6,635 people. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition, affecting 8.9% of residents, followed by arthritis which impacts 8.5%. A total of 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,677 people), higher than the 14.8% in Greater Perth, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Spearwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Spearwood's cultural diversity is notable, with 26.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 57.2%. Judaism, at 0.2%, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Perth's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.5%), Australian (19.7%), and Italian (11.2%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Croatian at 5.4% in Spearwood vs 2.3% regionally, Serbian at 1.3% vs 0.7%, and Filipino at 2.9% vs 2.1%.

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

Spearwood's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 cohort (8.2% locally) but a lower proportion of 5-14 year-olds (9.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 7.2% to 8.2%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Spearwood's age profile will change significantly. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 637 residents to reach 1,934. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 62% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.