Coolbellup

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

Coolbellup's population was around 9,801 as of February 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,298 people, a 15.3% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,503. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,409 in June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,168 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coolbellup's growth exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilized growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. Coolbellup is expected to grow by 1,515 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.5% in total over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Coolbellup recorded approximately 62 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25314 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling attracted an average of 2.9 new residents per year during this period, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $207,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $400,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. When compared to Greater Perth, Coolbellup shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 76th percentile nationally.

New developments consist of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character with a focus on detached housing that appeals to space-seeking buyers. With approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, Coolbellup exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1,123 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable 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

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the area's performance. These 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. 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 a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of September 2024. There was an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 5,451 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.6%, which is 1.6% above Greater Perth's rate of 5.0%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, a low 7.5% of residents were found to work from home as of September 2024. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Coolbellup shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 7.0%. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates that during the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, labour force increased by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coolbellup's employment mix suggests local employment should 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 Coolbellup SA2 has median income of $54,600 and 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 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,853 (median) and $75,214 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Coolbellup's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 40th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,204 people), consistent with metropolitan trends 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Coolbellup, as per the latest Census, 79.1% of dwellings were houses while 20.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Perth metro's figures of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolbellup stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged properties at 41.8% and rented dwellings at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Coolbellup was recorded at $310, compared to Perth metro's figure of $350. Nationally, Coolbellup's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than 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 percent of all households, including 25.7 percent couples with children, 24.4 percent couples without children, and 13.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.6 percent, with lone person households at 31.3 percent and group households comprising 4.4 percent of the total. 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 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 them - advanced diplomas account for 10.2% and certificates for 24.3%.

Educational participation is 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1,105 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 182 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 82%, while trains account for 9% and buses for 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 17 weekly trips per 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 the general population is somewhat typical, but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~5,223 people), leading the average SA2 area rate of 46%. This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, 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 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, ranking 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 17.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coolbellup, comprising 43.5% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 0.9% of Coolbellup's population, slightly higher than the 1.4% regional average.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (27.8%), Australian (22.5%), and Other (10.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Croatian was overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 0.8% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% vs 0.7%, and South African at 0.9% vs 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 the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is over-represented at 16.4% compared to Greater Perth's average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 55-64 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.2%, and the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Coolbellup, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 46% (301 people), reaching 952 from 650. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 62% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.