Cooloongup
Statistical Area - sa2

Cooloongup is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Cooloongup's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 9,058. This figure represents a growth of 555 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,503. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,060 in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,815 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Cooloongup's growth rate of 6.5% since the census is within 2.4 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, demographic trends project above median population growth for Australian statistical areas. Cooloongup is expected to expand by 1,195 persons to reach a total of 10,253 by 2041, indicating an overall increase of 13.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cooloongup according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Cooloongup has recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 34 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 10.1 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This has led to significant demand exceeding new supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $197,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In this financial year, there have been $5.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to Greater Perth, where construction is 91.0% higher per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although building activity has accelerated recently. The location has approximately 1063 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market with future projections showing Cooloongup adding 1,197 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Cooloongup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Rivergums Baldivis, Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Seaside Estate Madora Bay, and Parkland Heights Baldivis. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Cooloongup face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cooloongup has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 12.9%.

This rate has increased by 3.2 percentage points over the past year due to a higher growth in labour force compared to employment. The area's estimated employment growth for the same period is 2.1%. Cooloongup has 4,055 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Cooloongup lags behind Greater Perth at 53.1% compared to 65.2%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 3.5% of local workers, lower than Greater Perth's rate of 8.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cooloongup's employment mix suggests potential local growth rates of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Cooloongup had a median income among taxpayers of $48,357 with the average level standing at $58,454. This is below the national average of $61,919 and compares to levels of $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,224 (median) and $66,754 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income in Cooloongup falls between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally, with family income at the 13th percentile and personal income at the 14th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.5% of the community (2,762 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

Cooloongup's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooloongup stood at 33.0%, with the rest mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (25.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Cooloongup was $300, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Cooloongup's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cooloongup has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.2% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Cooloongup faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 8.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (34.6%).

Educational participation is high at 26.8%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (2.6%). Cooloongup's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 992 students, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.9, below the regional average of 17.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Cooloongup has 66 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,391 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 484 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cooloongup is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Cooloongup faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, covering around 4,429 people, compared to Greater Perth's 55.3%. Nationally, the average private health cover is also 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (10.5%). About 59.5% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 68.5%. Cooloongup has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.5%, with around 2,040 people, compared to Greater Perth's 15.6%. The health outcomes among seniors are generally in line with the overall population's health profile.

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

Cooloongup showed cultural diversity above average, with 9.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.2%. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other, comprising 0.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.7%.

In ancestry, the top groups were English (34.3%), Australian (25.7%), and Scottish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori at 2.2% (vs regional 2.0%), Welsh at 1.0% (vs 0.9%), and New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 1.2%).

Cooloongup hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Cooloongup is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.9% of the population in Cooloongup, compared to Greater Perth. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.4% of the population in Cooloongup. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.5% to 8.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.1% to 12.4%. However, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Cooloongup, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 77% (568 people), reaching 1,311 from 742. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 77% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic profile in the area. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.