Capel
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Capel's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 5,951 people. This figure represents an increase of 494 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,457. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,909 as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 11.7 persons per square kilometer. Capel's 9.1% growth rate since the 2021 Census exceeds the national average of 8.6%, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. The growth was driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). According to these projections, regional areas across the nation are expected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, Capel's population is projected to increase by 845 persons, representing a total rise of 13.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Capel has recorded approximately 36 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. There have been 181 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. Nine dwellings have been approved so far in FY-26.

On average, each dwelling built has attracted approximately 2.6 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating healthy demand which should support property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost of $333,000, under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $4.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When compared to Rest of WA, Capel has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. There are around 330 people per dwelling approval in Capel, indicating a developing market. Population forecasts indicate Capel will gain approximately 803 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 30 infrastructure projects that could impact a specific region. Notable initiatives include the Donnybrook Town Centre Revitalisation Project, Bridge Street Housing Project for Independent Living Units, The Acreage Estate Dalyellup, and Tuart Forest Primary School. Below is a list of projects likely to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Capel well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Capel has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than the national average.

Over the year ending June 2025, employment grew by 5.9%. As of that month, 3,322 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of WA's at 59.4%.

Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, while mining has lower representation at 8.5% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, labour force grew by 5.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Rest of WA recorded lower growth rates in these areas during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Capel's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.3% 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 2022 shows that Capel has a median income of $52,738 and an average income of $66,102. This contrasts with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $58,861 (median) and $73,776 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Capel rank modestly between the 37th and 38th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.5% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Capel's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Non-Metro WA's composition of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Capel's home ownership rate was higher at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 45.3% and rented ones for 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Capel stood at $1,625, surpassing Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Capel was recorded as $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Capel's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Capel features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 30.3% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates than the Australian average, at 15.7% compared to 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common, with 11.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 34.3%. Educational participation is high, at 28.8%, including 11.4% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Capel's schools have a combined enrollment of 604 students, with an ICSEA score of 1017 indicating typical Australian school conditions. There are two primary schools and two K-12 schools. The area has fewer school places per 100 residents than the regional average, at 10.2 compared to 17.1, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Capel has four active public transport stops in operation, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that combined offer 22 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is limited, with residents typically located 2017 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, each route provides service three times a day, resulting in approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

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

The rate of private health cover in Capel is approximately 52%, covering about 3,118 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Sixty-six percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.4% across Rest of WA. Nineteen point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,180 people), higher than the 17.6% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors in Capel are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Capel is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Capel's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens and 84.1% born in Australia. English was spoken as the only language at home by 97.1% of Capel residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 42.6% of the population.

Notably, the category 'Other' had a higher representation in Capel at 0.5%, compared to 0.6% across the rest of WA. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.7%), Australian (32.7%), and Scottish (7.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch was overrepresented at 2.2% in Capel versus 1.6% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% compared to 0.6%, and South African at 0.6% against 0.8%.

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

Capel's median age is 44 years, considerably higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 12.6% of Capel's population, compared to the Rest of WA, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.9% to 11.8%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.6% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.4% to 12.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.0% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Capel's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow strongly at 61%, adding 371 residents to reach 986. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts.