College Grove - Carey Park

College Grove - Carey Park has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of College Grove - Carey Park is approximately 7,613 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 637 people (9.1%) compared to the 6,976 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 7,602 combined with 31 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With these figures, the density of the area stands at 784 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages found in other surveyed locations. The 9.1% post-census growth rate for College Grove - Carey Park is just 0.2 percentage points below the national average of 9.3%, indicating healthy growth momentum. This population increase was mostly fueled by overseas migration, which represented roughly 63.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a starting point, are applied by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations not included in this dataset, and to project development beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking at future demographic patterns, non-metropolitan areas are projected to experience above-median growth nationally, with this specific locality forecast to grow by 1,323 persons by 2041 according to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total rise of 17.2% over the 16-year timeframe.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees College Grove - Carey Park recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Approximately 13 new residential dwellings have been approved annually in College Grove - Carey Park, totaling 66 home approvals over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 22 during the course of FY-26. Because the area has averaged 6.7 new residents for each finished home over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is running well ahead of new completions, a situation that commonly drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, even as new residential builds show an average construction cost of $224,000—a figure below regional benchmarks that offers more affordable entry points for purchasers. In addition, commercial approvals have reached $4.3 million during this financial year, underlining the dominant residential profile of the neighborhood.

When compared to the Rest of WA, College Grove - Carey Park experiences a much lower volume of building activity, sitting 69.0% below the regional per capita average. This undersupply of fresh housing stock generally bolsters demand and supports valuations for established properties, despite a recent uptick in building approvals. The rate of construction is also below the national average, reflecting a mature suburb that may be facing regulatory or planning restrictions. Detached houses account for 89.0% of new building permits, with attached housing comprising the remaining 11.0%, thereby preserving the low-density, traditional feel of the area with a focus on spacious family residences. The ratio of 434 people in the locality for every single housing approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low building activity.

Long-term forecasts indicate that College Grove - Carey Park is on track to add 1,312 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If the pace of residential development does not accelerate, housing supply is unlikely to match this population expansion, which could heighten competition among prospective buyers and push property prices higher.

College Grove - Carey Park has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure updates, major construction projects, and zoning plans are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects expected to influence this locality. Prominent developments include the SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, the Glen Iris Commercial & Retail Development, the Carey Park Football Club Upgrades, and the Trinity Rise Estate, with details on the most significant projects provided in the following list.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates College Grove - Carey Park faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

College Grove - Carey Park features a workforce that includes both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial fields playing a major role. The unemployment rate stands at 6.8%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year. As of March 2026, 3,331 residents are employed. The local unemployment rate is 3.3% above the Regional WA rate of 3.5%, indicating potential for improvement. Workforce participation is notably lower at 55.8% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%. According to Census data, only 2.6% of residents reported working from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Local jobs are largely concentrated within healthcare & social assistance, retail, and construction fields. Healthcare & social assistance is a major local specialty, employing residents at a rate 1.4 times the regional proportion. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.2% of the local workforce, which is considerably lower than the 9.3% average for Regional WA. Although there are employment opportunities within the immediate area, the ratio of Census workers to the total local population suggests a significant number of residents travel to other suburbs for work.

According to the AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the 12 months ending March 2026, the count of employed residents rose by 1.0% and the overall labor force expanded by 0.9%, which led to a 0.1 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. This trend was more favorable than in Regional WA, where employment fell by 0.1%, the labor force increased by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand for College Grove - Carey Park. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate potential growth. While total employment across the country is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by sector. Applying these sectoral trends to the local industry mix suggests that employment for residents of College Grove - Carey Park could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, representing a simple weighted calculation based on industry composition rather than local population projections.

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

Tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that income levels in the College Grove - Carey Park SA2 are lower than national averages. The median income for taxpayers in the SA2 is $45,481, with the average income recorded at $58,623, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $50,452 and an average of $65,030 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and individual incomes in College Grove - Carey Park sit between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket consists of 27.4% of households earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which accounts for 2,085 residents and aligns closely with the metropolitan average of 31.1% in this category. Financial pressure from housing costs is substantial, leaving residents with only 81.0% of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the 8th percentile for affordability.

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

Residential structures in College Grove - Carey Park at the time of the last Census consisted of 82.9% separate houses and 17.1% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling styles, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Home ownership rates in College Grove - Carey Park stood at 26.2%, trailing the Regional WA average, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (31.5%) or rented (42.3%). The median mortgage payment in the area was $1,300 per month, lower than the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $280, compared to $265 for the wider region. On a national level, monthly mortgage payments in College Grove - Carey Park are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national figure of $375.

College Grove - Carey Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 59.0%, which is divided into couples with children at 18.2%, couples without children at 23.2%, and single-parent households at 16.3%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 41.0% of households, consisting of single-person households at 36.6% and group housing setups at 4.4%. The median household size of 2.2 residents is smaller than the average of 2.5 found across Regional WA.

College Grove - Carey Park faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The local community experiences lower levels of formal qualifications, as shown by university attainment rates of 12.0% that are well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted local educational programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate credentials at 1.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification certificates, split between advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 31.8%.

The proportion of residents participating in education is quite high, with 33.1% of the population enrolled in study. This group is composed of 11.8% in primary schools, 10.0% in high schools, and 3.2% attending tertiary institutions.

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

Public transit options in College Grove - Carey Park feature 67 active bus stops. These stops serve 13 separate routes, which combine to offer 541 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 183 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, leading to a high rate of commuting out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary choice for 92% of trips. Average car ownership is 1.2 vehicles per household, which sits below the regional norm. A small portion of residents, 2.6%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions at the time.

Services average 77 daily runs across the local routes, which represents approximately 8 weekly trips for each individual stop location.

Health performance in College Grove - Carey Park is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Analysis of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic health issues by AreaSearch reveals notable health challenges in College Grove - Carey Park, with various conditions affecting both younger and older segments of the population, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 48% of the population (~3,684 people). This is below the Regional WA rate of 56.4% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health concerns and arthritis were recorded as the most prevalent chronic conditions locally, affecting 12.2% and 10.2% of the population respectively, while 59.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.4% of the population (1,247 people), which is lower than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health profiles in the area present challenges that are generally consistent with national averages.

In terms of cultural diversity, College Grove - Carey 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 for College Grove - Carey Park are broadly consistent with regional averages, with 78.1% of residents holding citizenship, 80.5% born in Australia, and 90.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 43.3% of the local population. The most visible statistical variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of the community compared to 0.7% throughout Regional WA.

Looking at parent countries of birth, the three most common ancestries in College Grove - Carey Park are English at 33.0%, Australian at 28.1%, and Scottish at 7.1%. There are also distinct variations in several other cultural backgrounds, with Maori ancestry representing 1.4% of the population (compared to 1.0% regionally), New Zealand background at 0.9% (compared to 0.9% regionally), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 4.0% (compared to 6.1% regionally).

College Grove - Carey Park's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in College Grove - Carey Park is 38 years, slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 40 but matching the Australian median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 15.8% compared to the regional average, while children aged 5 - 14 are less common at 10.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 13.4% to 15.5%, whereas the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 12.8% to 11.6%. Projections indicate the age profile of College Grove - Carey Park will shift by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 40%, adding 483 residents to reach a total of 1,684, while the 75 to 84 and 85+ cohorts are projected to contract.