Capel

Population growth drivers in Capel are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Capel's population is 6,032 as of May 2026. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 5,457, indicating an increase of 575 people (10.5%) since then. This growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,027 in June 2025 and the addition of 42 validated new addresses post-Census. Capel's population density is 11.9 persons per square kilometer. The area's 10.5% growth since the 2021 Census surpassed the national average of 9.3%. Population 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, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data to estimate growth post-2032. Nationally, regional areas are projected to have above median population growth. Capel is expected to expand by 792 persons to 2041, reflecting a 13.1% increase over the 16 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25181 homes were approved, with a further 34 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling built over these years has attracted 2.6 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $274,000. In terms of commercial development, $4.9 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a limited focus on commercial projects. Capel maintains similar construction rates per person relative to the rest of WA, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, Capel reflects a transitioning market with around 330 people per approval. Future projections estimate Capel adding 787 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Capel has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include The Acreage Estate Dalyellup, Tuart Forest Primary School, Bethanie Dalyellup Aged Care Facility, and ALDI Dalyellup Supermarket. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Capel's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in December 2025, below Regional WA's 3.5%. Employment grew by 4.9% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 3,361 residents were employed, with a participation rate of 69.7%, slightly above Regional WA's 66.0%. A low 9.8% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, while mining shows lower representation at 8.5% versus the regional average of 11.7%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over December 2024 to December 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, labour force by 5.2%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Regional WA saw employment grow by 1.0% and labour force by 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Capel's employment mix suggests local growth rates of 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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 2023 shows that Capel SA2 has a median income of $55,106 and an average income of $69,444. This is slightly above the national average. Regional WA, on the other hand, has a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Capel SA2 would be approximately $61,129 (median) and $77,034 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Capel rank modestly, between the 37th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.5% of Capel's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.1% in the same category. After housing expenses, 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

Dwelling structure in Capel, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted in 2016, comprised 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Capel stood at 37.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (45.3%) or rented (17.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Capel was $1,625, above Regional WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional WA's $265. Nationally, Capel's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Capel has a typical household mix, 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 Regional WA average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 34.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.4% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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 operating within it, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by three different routes that collectively provide 22 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is limited, with residents typically located 2017 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Capel is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Capel demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~3,251 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Regional WA at 56.4%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Sixty-six percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,244 people), higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 citizens, 84.1% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.6% of Capel's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 0.5% compared to Regional WA's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (35.7%), Australian (32.7%), and Scottish (7.3%). There were also notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Dutch was overrepresented at 2.2% (vs regional 1.5%), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%), and South Australian at 0.6% (vs 0.6%).

Capel hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Capel's median age is 44 years, which is higher than Regional WA's average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 12.7% of Capel's population, compared to Regional WA. The 25-34 age cohort stands at 10.4%, lower than Regional WA. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25-34 age group grew from 8.6% to 10.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.9% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.4% to 12.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.0%. By 2041, Capel's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 48%, adding 301 residents to reach 927. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts.