Coolbellup
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Coolbellup are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Coolbellup's population is estimated to be around 9,443 people. This figure reflects an increase of 940 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,503 people. The growth was inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 9,409 in June 2024 and the addition of 97 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2,089 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Coolbellup's growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 Census surpassed the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth, contributing approximately 57.5% of overall population gains in recent periods.

However, all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive contributors. AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses ABS's Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, which were based on 2022 data. Considering these projections, Coolbellup is expected to experience above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 1,515 persons, marking a total gain of 15.7% over the 17-year period.

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, around 314 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated about 2.9 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

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

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 that attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 157 people per dwelling approval, Coolbellup shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Coolbellup will gain approximately 1,481 residents through to 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 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact the area. Major projects include Kardinya Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, North Lake Road - Winterfold Road Intersection Upgrade, Kardinya District Centre Activity Centre Plan, 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.

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 an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%. There were 5,497 residents employed by June 2025, with an unemployment rate 1.7% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Coolbellup matched Greater Perth's figure of 65.2%. Key employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Education & training showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, mining had lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data during June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5%, labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7%, labour force growth of 3.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coolbellup's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes without considering localized population projections.

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 median income in Coolbellup is $52,686 and average income stands at $66,275. This contrasts with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Coolbellup would be approximately $60,167 (median) and $75,686 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Coolbellup rank modestly between the 40th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.7% of residents (3,087 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. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Coolbellup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Coolbellup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.1% houses and 20.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolbellup was 26.7%, similar to Perth metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (41.8%) or rented (31.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Coolbellup was $1,733, below the Perth metro average of $1,950 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Coolbellup was $310, lower than Perth metro's $370 and 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 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 Coolbellup residents aged 15+. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.5% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 24.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary, 7.2% in tertiary, and 6.9% in secondary education. Coolbellup Learning Centre and Coolbellup Community School serve a total of 245 students, focusing exclusively on primary education. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas due to limited local school capacity (2.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.4).

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

Transport analysis indicates 65 active stops in Coolbellup, served by buses via 7 routes offering 1,100 weekly passenger trips. Average distance to nearest stop is 182 meters. Daily service averages 157 trips across all routes, equating to about 16 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coolbellup is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Coolbellup faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,948 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 56.4%.

Mental health issues impact 10.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 7.9%. A total of 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,658 people), higher than the 14.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Coolbellup was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolbellup was found to have more cultural diversity than most local markets, with 17.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. The predominant religion in Coolbellup is Christianity, which accounts for 43.5% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 0.9% of the population, slightly higher than the 0.8% regional average.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 27.8%, Australian at 22.5%, and Other at 10.1%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.2% (compared to 2.3% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).

Coolbellup's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Coolbellup is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, the 25-34 age group is over-represented at 17.0% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.0%, and the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Coolbellup. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 59% (353 people), reaching 952 from 598. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 59% of the growth, while the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.