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 is 6,006 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 549 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,457. The change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,909 in June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 11.8 persons per square kilometer. Capel's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and its SA3 area, marking it as a regional growth leader. 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 by this data and years post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Population projections indicate above median growth for regional areas nationally. The area is expected to expand by 845 persons to 2041, with an increase of 12.4% over the 17 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-25, around 181 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.6 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $274,000. In terms of commercial development, around $4.9 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial projects compared to residential ones. Capel maintains similar construction rates per person relative to the rest of WA, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 330 people per approval, Capel reflects a transitioning market. Future projections indicate that Capel will add approximately 748 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include The Acreage Estate Dalyellup, Tuart Forest Primary School, Bethanie Dalyellup Aged Care Facility, and Dalyellup Village. 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.

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 well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 5.9% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 3,322 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is 0.6% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of WA's at 59.4%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, while mining had a lower representation at 8.5% compared to the regional average of 11.7%.

Employment opportunities in Capel appeared limited locally based on Census data. 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. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggested local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years for Capel.

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 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,227 (median) and $75,488 (average). Census data indicates 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, consistent with regional trends where 31.1% fall 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

Capel's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Capel was at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.3% and rented ones at 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $300. Nationally, Capel's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the average for the Rest of WA.

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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.4% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Capel's four schools have a combined enrollment of 604 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1017) with balanced educational opportunities. The area has two primary and two K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 10.2, indicating 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively 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, there are 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 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%, leading that of the average SA2 area, covering around 3,147 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Sixty-six per cent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.4% across the Rest of WA. Nineteen point eight per cent of Capel's residents are aged 65 and over (1,190 people), higher than the 17.6% in the 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 population showed limited cultural diversity, with 88.7% being citizens and 97.1% speaking English only at home, both figures above the regional averages. The majority of Capel residents were born in Australia (84.1%), compared to the Rest of WA average of 76.0%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 42.6% of the population.

However, the 'Other' religious group was underrepresented at 0.5%, compared to the regional average of 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, English (35.7%) and Australian (32.7%) were the most common, followed by Scottish (7.3%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented in Capel at 2.2% versus the regional average of 1.6%, as were Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%) and South African (0.6% vs 0.8%) ancestries.

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

Capel's median age is 44 years, which is higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group represents 12.6% of Capel's population, compared to the Rest of WA. The 25-34 cohort makes up 10.3% of Capel's population. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.9% to 11.8%, while 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 that Capel's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 59%, adding 366 residents and reaching 986. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.