Capel

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Capel's population is around 5,954 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 497 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,457 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,909 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 11.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Capel has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 845 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Capel has recorded around 36 residential properties granted approval annually, with 181 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 27 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.6 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $274,000. Additionally, $4.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Capel maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 330 people per approval, Capel reflects a transitioning market.

Future projections show Capel adding 800 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 3rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 27 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Acreage Estate Dalyellup, Tuart Forest Primary School, Bethanie Dalyellup Aged Care Facility, and ALDI Dalyellup Supermarket, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and 4.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,361 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (71.3% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 8.5% versus the regional average of 11.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.9% while labour force increased by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Capel. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Capel's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Capel SA2 is slightly above average nationally, with the median assessed at $55,106 while the average income stands at $69,444. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,407 (median) and $76,125 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Capel, between the 37th and 38th percentiles. Distribution data shows 32.5% of the population (1,935 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.1% in the same category. After housing, 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 within Capel, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Capel was higher than that of Regional WA, at 37.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.3%) or rented (17.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Capel's mortgage repayments are significantly 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 dominate at 77.0% of all households, comprising 30.3% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (34.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 4 active transport stops operating within Capel, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2017 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 9.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 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 see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,209 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as 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 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,149 people). 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 84.1% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Capel is Christianity, which makes up 42.6% of people in Capel. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Capel are English, comprising 35.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Capel (vs 1.5% regionally), 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

At 44 years, Capel's median age is considerably higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 14.5% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.6% to 11.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 44 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.4% to 12.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Capel's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 48%, adding 320 residents to reach 986. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts.