Coolbellup

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coolbellup's population is around 9,801 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,298 people (15.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,503 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,409 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,168 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coolbellup's 15.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 57.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,515 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Coolbellup has recorded around 62 residential properties granted approval annually, with 314 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 26 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.9 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $207,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $400,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Perth, Coolbellup shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places within the 76th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 157 people per dwelling approval, Coolbellup shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Coolbellup will gain 1,123 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 24thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, the Kardinya District Centre Precinct Structure Plan, the Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and the New Women and Babies Hospital, 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.

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

Coolbellup has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,378 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.5% 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, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and the labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Coolbellup. 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 Coolbellup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% 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 Coolbellup SA2 is slightly above average nationally, with the median assessed at $54,600 while the average income stands at $68,613. This contrasts to Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,853 (median) and $75,214 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Coolbellup, between the 40th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.7% of residents (3,204 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Coolbellup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.1% houses and 20.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Coolbellup was slightly lagging that of Perth metro, at 26.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.8%) or rented (31.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Coolbellup's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.4% of all households, comprising 25.7% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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, including 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

Public transport analysis reveals 65 active transport stops operating within Coolbellup, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,105 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 9% by train and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~5,223 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.6% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 67.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,783 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than 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 the vast majority of local markets, with 17.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. The main religion in Coolbellup is Christianity, which makes up 43.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coolbellup are English, comprising 27.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.5% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Coolbellup (vs 0.8% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.7%) and South Australian at 0.9% (vs 1.0%).

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

The 39-year median age in Coolbellup is somewhat higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (16.4% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Coolbellup. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 46% (301 people), reaching 952 from 650. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 62% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.