Spearwood

Population growth drivers in Spearwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on demographic studies of broader statistical releases and address data validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Spearwood is estimated to have a population of approximately 12,380 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,436 people (13.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,944 residents. The estimate builds upon a baseline of 12,279 residents calculated from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population data, supplemented by 124 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population level yields a density of 2,029 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical ratio observed across locations monitored nationwide by AreaSearch. The suburb of Spearwood's 13.1% growth rate since the 2021 Census outperformed the national benchmark of 9.3%, positioning it as a leading growth area in the vicinity. Gains were largely underpinned by international migration, which accounted for roughly 56.99999999999999% of the population increase, though interstate migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as the base period) have been adopted for SA2 areas. For locations lacking this coverage, and to project trends beyond 2032, growth rates by age bracket from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Capital Region projections (utilising 2022 data) are applied. Given these demographic projections, the suburb of Spearwood is expected to experience population growth above the national median, with local numbers anticipated to rise by 2,194 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 16.9% over the 16 years.

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

An analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that the suburb of Spearwood has averaged approximately 77 new dwelling approvals annually, summing to an estimated 385 residential properties over the prior 5 financial years. During FY-26 to date, 78 approvals have been logged. Reflecting steady demand that supports property values, the average occupancy has stood at 3 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with new residences constructed at an average estimated cost of $376,000—slightly above regional averages, pointing to quality-oriented projects. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $2.5 million have been registered during this financial year, reinforcing the suburb's residential focus.

Compared to the wider Greater Perth region, the suburb of Spearwood has a per capita rate of new dwelling approvals that is roughly three-quarters the regional average, though it places in the 80th percentile on a national level. Construction in recent times has consisted of 81.0% freestanding houses and 19.0% medium and high-density dwellings, sustaining a suburban layout that appeals to buyers seeking space. The ratio of residents to new dwelling approvals stands at approximately 138 people per approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking forward, the suburb of Spearwood is projected to add 2,093 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Current levels of building activity appear to match projected needs, which should support stable market conditions and prevent significant upward pressure on construction values.

Spearwood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant influence on property and community trends. A total of 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having an impact on the area. The key developments of interest are Spearwood Housing Project - 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.

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Employment performance in Spearwood has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

The suburb of Spearwood possesses a skilled labor force with a notable presence in manufacturing and industrial operations, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.6% according to aggregated data. As of March 2026, 6,367 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 1.4% higher than the Greater Perth level of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is also lower, standing at 64.8% relative to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records show that a minor 6.3% of the working population operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The suburb displays a strong concentration in manufacturing, where employment is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 5.3% of local jobs compared to the regional benchmark of 8.2%. The area is predominantly residential and offers a relatively modest number of local jobs, as highlighted by the comparison between the resident workforce and locally based employment figures in the Census.

Based on statistical compilations from SALM and ABS sources, during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local labor force shrank by 1.2% while employment fell by 0.6%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context regarding long-term demand in the suburb of Spearwood. These five-year and ten-year forecasts are aligned with the local industry mix to estimate employment trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these projections to the local workforce structure indicates that employment among residents is expected to rise by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Aggregated tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in the suburb of Spearwood recorded a median income of $56,178 and an average income of $70,714. This outperforms the national average but is below the respective Greater Perth figures of $60,748 and $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, the updated figures are estimated at approximately $62,318 (median) and $78,443 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing between the 32nd and 38th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 30.5% of the population (3,775 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is close to the regional rate of 32.0%. Housing costs absorb a significant share of earnings, leaving only 83.4% of income discretionary, which ranks at the 31st percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 4th decile for income.

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

According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 73.6% detached houses and 26.4% other dwelling types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership in the suburb of Spearwood stood at 36.1%, which is higher than the Perth metropolitan average, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (34.5%) or tenants (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was below the Perth metropolitan average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $350, compared to metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350 respectively. On a national level, mortgage outlays are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

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

Families comprise the majority of households at 65.7%, which includes 25.3% couples with dependent children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3%, with single person households representing 30.5% and group share houses making up 3.7% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.3 individuals is lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

The local population shows lower levels of tertiary attainment, with university graduation rates standing at 20.0%, below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a credential in these fields, comprising advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.4%).

A total of 24.6% of residents are enrolled in formal study. This student population includes 7.7% in primary school, 6.3% in high school, and 5.1% in tertiary programs.

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

Public transport infrastructure includes 64 active transit stops within the suburb of Spearwood, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 6 routes, which provide a combined total of 1,422 weekly trips. Access is highly rated, with residents situated an average of 187 meters from the nearest transit point. The area is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 86%, followed by train travel at 5%. Residents own an average of 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.3% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era patterns.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 203 trips per day, which translates to approximately 22 weekly trips for each transport stop.

Spearwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health indicators are generally positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions showing results that align with national averages across different age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 55% of residents (~6,842 people) holding a policy, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth.

The most prevalent health conditions recorded locally are mental health disorders and arthritis, affecting 8.9% and 8.5% of residents. Conversely, 67.7% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The population aged under 65 demonstrates favorable health metrics. Residents aged 65 and older make up 22.0% of the local population (2,723 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth level of 16.1%, and national health rankings for this group are in line with general averages.

Spearwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Spearwood exhibits high cultural diversity, with 26.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 57.2% of the local population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding parental ancestry, the three largest groups are English at 24.5%, Australian at 19.7%, and Italian at 11.2%, with the Italian cohort significantly exceeding the regional average of 4.2%. Other notable ethnic ancestries include Croatian at 5.4% (compared to 0.8% across the region), Serbian at 1.3% (compared to 0.3%), and Filipino at 2.9% (compared to 1.4%).

Spearwood's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 41 years, the suburb of Spearwood is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is overrepresented at 8.0% compared to the Greater Perth average, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 10.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 12.9% to 13.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.7%. Long-term projections indicate significant changes by 2041, with the 65 to 74 group showing the largest increase of 38% (an additional 507 residents, reaching 1,832). Residents aged 65 and older represent 63% of the projected population growth, while decreases are expected in the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age brackets.