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

Based on demographic evaluations of ABS records for the surrounding territory, alongside recent physical locations verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Spencer Park contains a population of approximately 3,566 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 121 individuals (3.5%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,445 residents. This adjustment is derived from the resident count of 3,561, calculated by AreaSearch after examining the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with address confirmations following the Census date. This size results in a density of 1,613 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level observed across locations nationally analysed by AreaSearch. Expansion in the suburb of Spencer Park was mostly driven by arrivals from abroad, who accounted for roughly 61.0% of the overall gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 zone, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base point. For SA2 zones missing from this dataset, and to project trends beyond 2032, AreaSearch utilizes cohort-specific growth rates published by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 records). Looking ahead, the suburb of Spencer Park is projected to experience a population rise slightly below the median of regional localities nationwide, with the suburb of Spencer Park projected to add 371 residents by 2041 according to combined SA2 projections, representing an overall increase of 10.3% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Spencer Park is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to building approval figures from the ABS, mapped from regional data, Spencer Park has averaged about 4 home approvals annually, with approximately 22 residential properties approved in the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 7 in the current FY-26 period. Because only 0.9 individuals per year migrated to the locality for each constructed dwelling during those 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), the volume of housing meets or exceeds demand, offering buyers more choices and allowing for population growth that could exceed current forecasts, with new dwellings carrying a mean building value of $501,000, indicating developers are concentrating on high-end residential options. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $21.8 million this financial year, pointing to steady business construction.

Compared to Rest of WA, development volume in Spencer Park is low, trailing the regional average per capita by 78.0%. This restricted level of building generally supports demand and prices for the current housing stock. The rate is also below the national average, reflecting a mature market and pointing to possible spatial or planning constraints. Moreover, recent building approvals consist entirely of standalone houses, preserving the locality's established low-density feel with properties designed for families wanting extra space. Given that there are approximately 2367 residents for each home approved, the local market is highly established.

Demographic projections suggest Spencer Park will add 366 new residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, housing construction may not keep up with population gains, which could increase competition among purchasers and help drive property values upward.

Spencer Park has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and municipal planning developments are primary drivers of change in the local property market. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects within the area that are likely to influence the local market. The main initiatives include the Spencer Park Renewal Project - Hardie Road Mixed-Use Development, the Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, the Spencer Park Renewal Project, and the Spencer Park Education Support Centre Redevelopment, with the primary projects summarized below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Spencer Park faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

The local workforce is characterized by solid skill levels, with strong representation in essential service sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.8% according to aggregated regional statistics from AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 1,484 employed residents, which represents an unemployment rate 1.3% higher than the Regional WA level of 3.5%, while the labor participation rate is notably lower (51.9% compared to 65.6% in Regional WA). According to Census responses, a minor 3.6% of the workforce worked from their homes, though pandemic-related movement restrictions should be kept in mind.

Most working residents are employed in healthcare & social assistance, retail, and education & training. The area displays a strong concentration in healthcare & social assistance, holding an employment share 1.7 times that of the regional average. Conversely, mining employment is relatively minor, accounting for 1.9% of workers compared to the Regional WA average of 11.7%. The local area is primarily residential and offers relatively few jobs internally, as shown by the relationship between the local working population at the Census and the number of resident workers.

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, the size of the local workforce contracted by 6.4% in the 12 months leading to March 2026, while employment fell by 8.6%, leading to a 2.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same span, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise. Employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective hiring needs in Spencer Park. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rate of change varies widely by sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the local occupational structure indicates that employment among residents should grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted projection that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in Spencer Park fall below the national average, with a median of $41,048 and an average of $51,736. In comparison, Regional WA recorded a median income of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be roughly $45,535 for the median and $57,391 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb are situated between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the cohort earning between $400 and $799 represents 29.1% of residents (1,037 people), whereas in the metropolitan area the largest group is the 31.1% earning between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing costs place a heavy burden on residents, leaving only 81.5% of income available after housing expenses, placing the suburb in the 6th percentile.

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

The housing mix in Spencer Park at the time of the latest Census consisted of 86.3% separate houses and 13.7% alternative housing styles such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Home ownership rates in the suburb matched the regional level of 32.5%, while the remaining properties were either being purchased under a mortgage (27.8%) or occupied by tenants (39.7%). The median mortgage payment of $1,300 per month was notably lower than the Regional WA average, while the median weekly rent stood at $290, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb are well below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also much lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families represent the majority of households at 58.3%, consisting of couples with children (17.3%), couples without children (26.6%), and single-parent households (13.2%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 41.7%, with single-person households making up 39.6% and group households representing 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 persons, which is lower than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The suburb faces some educational challenges, as the percentage of residents with a university qualification (17.6%) is considerably below the national level of 30.4%. This represents a key target area for educational programs. Among degree holders, Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (28.8%).

A significant proportion of residents (24.4%) are enrolled in formal study. This student population includes 8.4% in primary school, 7.9% in high school, and 2.9% studying at tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport services in Spencer Park include 13 active transit stops, which are serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 3 separate routes, supporting a total of 100 passenger journeys each week. Local access is good, with residents living an average of 215 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, most employed residents travel outside the area for work, and private vehicles are the primary mode of travel for 92% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars, which is below the regional average. A small proportion of residents (3.6%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 14 runs per day across the local network, which translates to roughly 7 weekly services for each transit 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 presents several key health challenges based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality data and the frequency of long-term conditions, which affect both younger and older cohorts, alongside a low rate of private health insurance, which covers only about 48% of the population (~1,702 people). This is below the Regional WA rate of 56.4% and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 12.0% and 11.2% of the population respectively, while 56.9% of residents reported having no chronic health issues, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents experience significant health difficulties, highlighted by elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up 26.4% of the population (941 people), which is higher than the Regional WA level of 19.2%. Senior health metrics indicate some areas of concern, with national percentiles generally matching the broader population patterns.

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

Cultural diversity metrics in Spencer Park align closely with regional averages, with 77.8% of the population born in Australia, 88.8% holding citizenship, and 92.6% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.1% of the community. The most notable variation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.9% of the population compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Regarding parental country of birth, the main ancestry lines in Spencer Park are English (34.6%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (7.3%). Some distinct deviations from the regional averages are present, with Polish heritage representing 1.0% of the local population (compared to 0.5% regionally), Dutch heritage at 1.8% (compared to 1.5%), and Welsh heritage at 0.6% (compared to 0.6%).

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

The median age in Spencer Park is 47 years, which is higher than the Regional WA median of 40 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, Spencer Park has a larger proportion of residents aged 85 and over (5.7%) but fewer people in the 35 to 44 age bracket (11.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has expanded from 9.3% to 11.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 11.0% to 12.8%. In contrast, the cohort aged 65 to 74 decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%. By 2041, the age structure of the suburb is expected to change, with the 25 to 34 group projected to grow by 43% (197 people) to reach 654 compared to the current 456. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age brackets are projected to contract.