Coolbellup

Population growth drivers in Coolbellup are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Coolbellup's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 9,751 people. This figure represents a 14.7% increase from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,503 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 9,639 in June 2025 and an additional 111 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,157 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Coolbellup's growth rate surpassed the national average of 9.3%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.4% to recent population gains, though all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive.

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, AreaSearch employs ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts suggest above median population growth nationally, with Coolbellup expected to grow by 1,400 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.2% over the 16 years.

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

Coolbellup has recorded approximately 62 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 314 homes were approved, with an additional 46 approved in FY-26 so far. The average number of new residents per year for each dwelling over these five financial years was approximately 2.9, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $207,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, there have been $400,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential development. When measured against Greater Perth, Coolbellup shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 76th percentile of areas assessed nationally for new dwelling approvals.

New development consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 157 people per dwelling approval, Coolbellup shows characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, population forecasts indicate that Coolbellup will gain approximately 1,288 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Coolbellup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

"Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and New Women and Babies Hospital. The following list details those most relevant.".

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

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Employment conditions in Coolbellup remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Coolbellup has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of December 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 5,378 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 6.4%, which is 1.2% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 5.2%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Perth's 69.7%. According to Census responses, only 7.5% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

There was particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, mining showed lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Coolbellup's employment mix, local employment was estimated to increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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 Coolbellup SA2 has a median income of $54,600 and an average income of $68,613. This contrasts with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Coolbellup are approximately $60,568 (median) and $76,112 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Coolbellup between the 40th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.7% of residents (3,188 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Coolbellup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Coolbellup, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.1% houses and 20.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolbellup stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented dwellings at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Coolbellup was $310, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Coolbellup's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Coolbellup features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.4% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Coolbellup fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Tertiary education reaches 29.2% of residents aged 15+ in Coolbellup. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (24.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Coolbellup has 65 active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by seven routes offering 1,105 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 182 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most commutes are outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars are used by 82% of residents for commuting, with trains at 9% and buses at 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency averages 157 trips across all routes, equating to about 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coolbellup's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Coolbellup's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover in Coolbellup stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~5,197 people), leading the average SA2 area rate but lower than Greater Perth's 59.0%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.6 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 67.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Coolbellup has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,696 people), higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Coolbellup was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolbellup was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 17.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coolbellup, making up 43.5% of people there. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in Other religions, comprising 0.9% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 27.8%, Australian at 22.5%, and Other at 10.1%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 0.8% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and South Australian at 0.9% versus 1.0%.

Coolbellup's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Coolbellup is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 25-34 year-old cohort is over-represented at 17.3% in Coolbellup, while the 5-14 year-old cohort is under-represented at 9.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.3%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Coolbellup. The 75-84 year-old cohort is expected to grow by 49%, reaching 931 people from the current 625. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 58% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.