Coolbellup

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Coolbellup stands at approximately 9,751 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,248 people (14.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 8,503 residents. The update is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 9,639 in June 2025 alongside 111 validated new addresses identified after the Census. This population level results in a density of 2,157 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical figure for nationwide areas analyzed by AreaSearch. The 14.7% expansion since the 2021 census was greater than the national benchmark of 9.3%, positioning the suburb as a local leader in growth. Overseas migration was the main contributor, accounting for roughly 60.4% of the overall population rise in recent times, though natural increase and interstate migration also registered positive gains.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year are adopted by AreaSearch for each SA2. For SA2 divisions lacking this data, and to estimate trends after 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the latest Greater Capital Region projections by the ABS (released in 2023, using 2022 data) are applied. Based on these demographic patterns, the locality is projected to experience population growth above the national median, with an expected increase of 1,400 persons by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, indicating a total rise of 13.2% over the 16 years.

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

An average of about 62 new dwelling approvals has been recorded annually in Coolbellup, with a total of 314 homes approved over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, there have been 59 approvals. With an average of 3.2 new residents added per year for each home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand outpaces supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers, even as new dwellings are built at an average value of $207,000—a figure below the regional average that indicates more affordable purchasing options. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $400,000 have been registered during this financial year, highlighting the residential character of the suburb.

Compared to Greater Perth, the rate of new dwelling approvals per resident in Coolbellup is about three-quarters, though it ranks in the 75th percentile of areas evaluated across the nation. Recent housing construction consists of 72.0% detached houses and 28.0% medium and high-density structures, maintaining a suburban environment centered on stand-alone homes that appeal to buyers seeking space. The ratio stands at roughly 161 people for each dwelling approval, reflecting an expanding market.

Looking forward, the population of Coolbellup is projected to rise by 1,288 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. At the current pace of construction, housing supply is expected to satisfy demand, resulting in favorable purchasing conditions and potentially paving the way for expansion that outpaces current projections.

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

Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major works are critical drivers of local market performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects that are expected to influence the suburb. Key developments 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 details of the most relevant projects provided below.

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

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Employment performance in Coolbellup has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Coolbellup is characterized by an educated workforce, strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of 5.4%. In March 2026, there are 5,352 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.2% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor force participation matching the regional rate of 70.2% closely. Census details indicate that a minor 7.5% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The resident workforce is largely employed within health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The suburb exhibits a high concentration of workers in education & training, which stands at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining representation is lower at 5.3% compared to the regional benchmark of 7.0%. The comparisons between the census working population and the resident population suggest that this primarily residential area has a limited supply of local jobs.

Analysis by AreaSearch using Salm and Abs figures shows that over the twelve months leading to March 2026, the labour force shrank by 0.9 per cent while employment dropped by 0.6 per cent, which led to unemployment declining by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.0 per cent, a labour force expansion of 2.5 per cent, and an unemployment increase of 0.4 percentage points. Further perspective on prospective job demand in Coolbellup can be drawn from Jobs and Skills Australia’s national employment forecasts published in May-25. These outlooks span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid with local employment data to project growth trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6 per cent over five years and by 13.7 per cent over ten years, though expansion varies considerably across different industries. When these sectoral forecasts are applied to Coolbellup’s current employment composition, the area is expected to see employment grow by 6.3 per cent over five years and by 13.4 per cent over ten years, though this figure reflects a basic weighting extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population estimates.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Aggregated taxpayer details from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that the Coolbellup SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $54,600 and an average income of $68,613. These figures are slightly higher than the national averages and compare to $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average) across the Greater Perth area. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $60,568 for the median and $76,112 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes in Coolbellup at modest levels, ranking between the 40th and 48th percentiles. The income distribution shows that 32.7% of the population (3,188 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is very similar to the regional average of 32.0%. Housing affordability is a significant concern, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 40th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area's income in the 5th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in Coolbellup consisted of 79.1% separate houses and 20.9% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative options), compared to 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% other dwellings in the Perth metropolitan area. Home ownership rates in Coolbellup were slightly below the metropolitan average at 26.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (41.8%) or renting (31.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was below the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, and the median weekly rent of $310 was also lower than the metropolitan median of $350. On a national level, Coolbellup's mortgage costs are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably lower than the national median of $375.

Coolbellup 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 64.4%, consisting of couples with children at 25.7%, couples without children at 24.4%, and single-parent households at 13.0%. Non-family arrangements account for the remaining 35.6% of households, with single-person homes at 31.3% and group households at 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, 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

Among Coolbellup residents aged 15 and over, 29.2% have completed tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Technical and trade qualifications are also common, with 34.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 24.3%.

Participation in study is high in the area, with 28.3% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This population includes 8.2% in primary schools, 7.2% in tertiary institutions, and 6.9% attending secondary schools.

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

Analysis of the public transport network shows 65 active bus stops operating in Coolbellup. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,105 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 182 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles being the primary mode of transport at 82%, followed by 9% using trains and 5% using buses. The average number of motor vehicles is 1.4 per dwelling, and a relatively low 7.5% of residents work from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Service frequency across all local routes averages 157 trips per day, which translates to approximately 17 weekly trips for each 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

Health indicators in Coolbellup align closely with national averages, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. The frequency of typical health conditions is standard overall, though it rises above the national average for older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly above the average SA2 level, with approximately 53% of the population (~5,197 people) holding cover, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most frequently reported illnesses, affecting 10.6% and 7.9% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 67.0% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents of working age experience chronic health issues at rates above the average. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 17.4% of the population (1,696 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth level of 16.1%. Health challenges are present among the elderly, though their national health rankings are more favorable than those of the general 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

The suburb displays higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 17.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 32.0% born in another country. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 43.5% of the local population. The most visible statistical difference is in the Other religious category, which represents 0.9% of residents locally compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

English ancestry is the most common at 27.8% of the population, followed by Australian ancestry at 22.5% and Other ancestries at 10.1%. Specific ethnic backgrounds show notable variances from regional averages, with Croatian ancestry accounting for 1.2% of residents (compared to 0.8% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.7%), and South Australian at 0.9% (compared to 1.0%).

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

The median age of residents is 39 years, which is slightly older than the Greater Perth average of 37 years and matches the national average of 38 years closely. The 25 to 34 age bracket is overrepresented at 17.3% compared to the wider metropolitan area, while the 5 to 14 cohort is underrepresented at 9.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased its share of the population from 15.9% to 17.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.7% to 11.7%. Population projections for 2041 point to notable demographic changes, led by a 49% increase in the 75 to 84 cohort (representing an increase of 305 people, rising from 625 to 931). This aging trend is highlighted by the fact that seniors aged 65 and over represent 58% of the projected growth, while the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to shrink.