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

As of May 2026, the population of Spearwood is estimated at around 12,380. This reflects an increase of 1,436 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,944. The current resident population estimate of 12,279 by AreaSearch follows examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,029 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Spearwood's population growth of 13.1% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 9.3%, positioning 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 post-2032 estimates, 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 2,194 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.9% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Spearwood recorded around 74 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 374 homes were approved, with an additional 71 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodated about three new residents per year over these five financial years.

This robust demand supports property values, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost of $376,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been approximately $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. When measured against Greater Perth, Spearwood shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 75th percentile of areas assessed nationally for new development.

The majority of new development consists of standalone homes at 83.0%, with attached dwellings making up the remaining 17.0%. This preserves the area's suburban nature, attracting space-seeking buyers who prefer detached housing. With around 160 people per dwelling approval, Spearwood exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, population forecasts indicate that Spearwood will gain approximately 2,093 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: Spearwood Housing Project - Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, Shoreline North Coogee, and Windfall Residences Port Coogee. The following details those most relevant.

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

Spearwood's workforce is skilled with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%. As of December 2025, 6,390 residents were employed, with unemployment at 1.6% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and participation rate at 65.1%.

Home working was low at 6.3%. Dominant sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, retail trade, with strong manufacturing specialization (1.6 times regional level). Professional & technical showed lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 8.2%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by resident population vs working population count.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9%, labour force by 0.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded higher growth rates during this period. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Spearwood's mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Spearwood's median assessed income is $56,178 and the average income stands at $70,714. This contrasts with Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% between financial year ending June 2023 and March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $62,318 (median) and $78,443 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income in Spearwood ranks at the 35th percentile, family income at the 32nd percentile, and personal income at the 38th percentile. Income brackets show that 30.5% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket (3,775 people), which is consistent with the metropolitan region's trend of 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Spearwood, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile. The area'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 evaluation, consisted of 73.6% houses and 26.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Spearwood's home ownership rate was higher than Perth metro's, at 36.1%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (34.5%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, matching Perth metro's figure. Nationally, Spearwood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 3.7%. 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's university qualification rate is 20.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.4% and certificates for 28.4%. A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

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

Spearwood has 64 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by six different bus routes that collectively facilitate 1,422 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically located just 187 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transport for 86% of residents, while only 5% use the train. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Spearwood, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 203 trips per day, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual 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 data shows positive outcomes for Spearwood residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are generally aligned with national benchmarks.

Common health issues are seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~6,842 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth. Mental health issues affect 8.9% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.5%. About 67.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Spearwood has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,723 people), higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. National rankings for this age group are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Spearwood's cultural diversity is notable, with 26.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born overseas. Christianity dominates religiously, comprising 57.2%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Greater Perth average of 0.3%.

Top ancestral groups are English (24.5%), Australian (19.7%), and Italian (11.2%), significantly higher than regional averages. Croatian (5.4%) and Serbian (1.3%) are notably overrepresented, as is Filipino (2.9%).

Spearwood's median age exceeds the national pattern

Spearwood's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 8.0% and an under-representation of 5-14 year-olds at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group increased from 12.9% to 13.8%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.0% to 11.7%. By 2041, Spearwood's age profile is expected to change significantly. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 38%, adding 507 residents to reach 1,832. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 63% of the population growth, while the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to decline in population.