Spencer Park

Spencer Park is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Spencer Park is estimated at around 3,720, reflecting an increase of 275 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 8.0% change from the previous population count of 3,445. The current resident population estimate of 3,690 was inferred following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,683 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Spencer Park has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected for Spencer Park. The area is expected to grow by 426 persons to reach a total population of approximately 4,146 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of 9.2% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Spencer Park had approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 46 homes were approved, with another 6 in FY-26. This resulted in an average of 3.8 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

Demand significantly outpaced supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $501,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $21.8 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of WA, Spencer Park had significantly less development activity, being 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, Spencer Park's building activity was also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Detached houses accounted for 83.0% of new building activity, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 17.0%, sustaining the area's suburban identity. With around 557 people per dwelling approval, Spencer Park reflected a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicated an increase of 343 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition among buyers as the population grows.

Spencer Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to impact the area. Major projects include Hardie Road Mixed-Use Development within the Spencer Park Renewal Project, Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, and Spencer Park Education Support Centre Redevelopment. The following details those most relevant:.

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While Spencer Park retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.3%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Spencer Park has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,629 residents are employed, mirroring Rest of WA's 3.3% unemployment rate.

However, workforce participation lags at 54.3%. Census responses show that 3.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Spencer Park specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level but has lower mining representation at 1.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Spencer Park's labour force decreased by 4.0% while employment declined by 2.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA showed employment growth of 1.4% and a 0.2 percentage point reduction in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spencer Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Spencer Park is $41,048 and average income is $51,736. This is lower than Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $44,997 and average income $56,713, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending June 2023. Census 2021 data indicates Spencer Park's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 29.1% of individuals earn $400 - $799, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.1% earn $1,500 - $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Spencer Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Spencer Park's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spencer Park was at 32.5%, similar to Non-Metro WA's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (27.8%) or rented (39.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.3% of all households, including 17.3% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.7%, with lone person households at 39.6% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Spencer Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (28.8%).

A substantial 24.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.4% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

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

Spencer Park has 13 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 100 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average located 215 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Spencer Park is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Spencer Park faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,775 people), compared to 56.4% in the rest of WA and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.0% and 11.2% of residents respectively. However, 56.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in the rest of WA. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Spencer Park has 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (903 people), higher than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the overall population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Spencer Park records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Spencer Park's population was found to be largely aligned with the broader regional averages in terms of cultural diversity, with 77.8% having been born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Spencer Park, comprising 44.1% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, with 0.9% versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (34.6%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (7.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Polish residents made up 1.0% in Spencer Park compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Dutch residents comprised 1.8% versus 1.5%, and Welsh residents stood at 0.6%.

Spencer Park hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Spencer Park's median age of 47 years is significantly higher than Rest of WA's 40 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA, Spencer Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (5.2%) but fewer individuals aged 45 to 54 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, there has been a rejuvenation in Spencer Park's population, with the median age falling from 48 to 47 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 11.0% to 13.8%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 9.3% to 11.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has declined from 9.9% to 7.6%, and those aged 65 to 74 have decreased from 13.0% to 11.5%. By 2041, Spencer Park's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly, with an additional 192 people (a 38% rise) bringing the total to 706 from the current 513. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.