Cooloongup

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

According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count in Cooloongup reaches approximately 9,132 as of May 2026. Compared to the 8,503 individuals documented in the 2021 Census, this represents an expansion of 629 residents (7.4%). This demographic shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 9,132 combined with 1 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. With these figures, the locality registers a density of 1,830 persons per square kilometer, outstripping the standard average across national test sites evaluated by AreaSearch. The area's 7.4% postwar Census growth trails the country's average of 9.3% by 1.9 percentage points, indicating healthy expansion dynamics. Net gains in the local population were mostly fueled by incoming international migrants, who made up roughly 90.7% of the total increases lately, even though natural increases and interstate movements also posted positive inflows.

Projections developed by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using a 2022 baseline, are utilised for SA2 level estimations. Where such data is unavailable, or to model numbers beyond the year 2032, growth coefficients categorized by age groups from the 2023 Greater Capital Region forecasts (utilising 2022 statistics) are integrated. Looking at prospective demographic developments, the statistical area is expected to experience population growth above the national median, with predictions showing an addition of 1,067 residents up to 2041 relative to recent yearly ERP counts, which represents a total rise of 11.7% over the course of 16 years.

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

Cooloongup averages approximately 6 new residential building permits annually, translating to a total of 34 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial periods. For the current FY-26 period, 4 building permits have been logged. With an average of 10.8 individuals migrating to the district per year for every home built over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand vastly outpaces additions to the housing stock, a condition that typically drives up property prices and heightens buyer rivalry. Concurrently, newly approved properties carry an average construction value of $197,000, which falls below the regional baseline and points to relatively inexpensive purchasing opportunities. Additionally, commercial development permits stand at $5.6 million for this financial year, suggesting minor commercial investment activity.

Cooloongup experiences construction levels that are 91.0% lower than the regional average per person when compared to Greater Perth. This scarcity of new supply tends to reinforce higher demand and elevated cost values for existing dwellings, even though construction activity has increased over recent years. The area's development rate also falls below national standards, which signals a mature market and suggests potential constraints on future growth. All recent building projects in the locality involve standalone homes, a pattern that maintains the suburb's character by prioritizing detached housing for buyers seeking more space. The district currently has roughly 1074 people per dwelling approval, which confirms the stability of the local housing market.

Long-term forecasts suggest that Cooloongup will increase its population by 1,067 citizens by the year 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations by AreaSearch. If the current rate of housing delivery persists, residential construction may struggle to accommodate this population expansion, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and encouraging upward movements in home values.

Cooloongup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

The trajectory of a suburb is heavily shaped by updates to regional infrastructure, key projects, and local planning frameworks. In total, AreaSearch has identified 12 development projects that are likely to influence the local area. The most relevant initiatives include The Rivergums Baldivis, Rockingham General Hospital Redevelopment, Seaside Estate Madora Bay, and Rockingham Community Hub and Rockingham Lotteries House, with details on the most significant ones provided below.

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

The labor market in Cooloongup features an even distribution of office-based and industrial workers, with a marked concentration in manufacturing and production fields, alongside an unemployment rate of 13.1%. In March 2026, working residents numbered 3,885, while the unemployment rate was 9.0% above Greater Perth's average of 4.2%, showing potential for job growth. Additionally, labor force participation is comparatively weak, standing at 58.5% compared to 70.2% across the wider Greater Perth region. Census records indicate that only a minor 4.4% of the local workforce performed their jobs from home, though this figure was likely influenced by restrictions during the pandemic.

The primary employment fields for the local population are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The suburb exhibits a high concentration of manufacturing workers, with employment proportions reaching 1.7 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for just 3.5% of the local workforce relative to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The comparison of working population statistics to resident totals suggests that this mostly residential enclave provides few local jobs.

AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics indicate that during the 12 months leading up to March 2026, the active labor pool shrank by 0.9% while total employment fell by 1.3%, leading to a 0.3 percentage points rise in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in job numbers, a 2.5% expansion of the labor pool, and a 0.4 percentage points increase in unemployment. Future local employment trends can be further evaluated using the May-25 long-term national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia. These five and ten-year predictions have been combined with the local worker distribution to model future patterns. On a national scale, workforce numbers are projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these growth trajectories vary widely by industry. Adjusting these sectoral projections for the specific mix of jobs in Cooloongup indicates that local employment is poised to expand by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, noting that this uses a weighted model for illustration and excludes regional population forecasts.

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

According to consolidated ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 tax year, taxpayers in the Cooloongup SA2 earn less than the national average. The median income among local taxpayers is $50,878, and the average income is recorded at $61,607, which contrast with Greater Perth's benchmarks of $60,748 and $80,248. Factoring in a Wage Price Index lift of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current adjusted estimations point to approximately $56,439 for median earnings and $68,341 for average earnings as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data shows that personal, family, and household earnings in the area all sit between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationwide. The income distribution shows that 30.5% of the residents (representing 2,785 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is very similar to the regional average of 32.0%. Housing costs present a heavy burden, with residents retaining only 83.6% of their income after payments, placing the suburb in the 16th percentile.

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

At the time of the most recent Census, the distribution of home types in Cooloongup stood at 93.4% standalone houses and 6.6% other options such as townhouses, units, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Perth metropolitan average of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other options. The proportion of outright home ownership in the suburb reached 33.0%, which was notably higher than the Perth metro average, with the remaining dwellings occupied under a mortgage (41.1%) or rented (25.9%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,300, which is significantly lower than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent stood at $300, compared to the wider metro average of $350. On a national level, Cooloongup's median mortgage outlays are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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

The local household structure is predominantly family-based at 68.2%, consisting of 23.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 31.8%, with single-person households representing 28.6% and group housing comprising 3.2%. The typical household size of 2.4 individuals 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 region presents low levels of higher education, with university degree attainment (8.6%) sitting far below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear need for focused educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 6.2%, with postgraduate degrees at 1.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational and technical training is very common, with 44.0% of the population aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (34.6%).

School enrollment is quite high, with 26.8% of the local population currently undertaking formal studies. Of these students, 10.2% are attending primary schools, 8.1% are in secondary schools, and 2.6% are enrolled in higher education.

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

Analysis of the local transit network shows 67 active transport stops in Cooloongup, comprising both train stations and bus stops. These transit points are linked by 19 distinct routes, which support 4,709 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 164 meters from their nearest transit point. Because the suburb is primarily residential, most workers travel outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 81%, and trains accounting for 9%. Average car ownership stands at 1.3 vehicles per household, which is lower than the regional average. A small proportion of 4.4% of residents worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.

The average daily frequency of services across the entire network is 672 trips, which translates to approximately 70 weekly services at each individual transit 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

AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic illness rates show significant health issues in Cooloongup, with various medical conditions affecting both the youth and senior demographics. Additionally, the rate of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at approximately 50% of the population (~4,547 people). This is lower than the Greater Perth level of 59.0% and the national baseline of 55.7%.

The primary medical diagnoses in the suburb are arthritis and mental health conditions, which affect 10.6 and 10.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 59.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in the Greater Perth area. Chronic illness rates are also high among the working-age population. The suburb has a high concentration of seniors, with 22.4% of the population aged 65 and over (2,047 people), compared to 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes for these elderly residents are challenging, with national metrics generally matching the trends of the broader population.

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

Cooloongup displays higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 9.2% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 30.8% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 41.2% of the local community. The most distinct variance is observed in the Other category, which represents 0.9% of the local population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

Looking at ancestral roots, the three largest ethnic groups in Cooloongup are English at 34.3% of the population (significantly higher than the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 25.7%, and Scottish at 7.9%. Notable variations are also present in other groups: Welsh ancestry represents 1.0% of Cooloongup (compared to 0.7% regionally), Maori accounts for 2.2% (compared to 0.9%), and New Zealand backgrounds represent 1.1% (compared to 0.8%).

Cooloongup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 42 years in Cooloongup is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 11.8% of the population compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 11.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 6.5% to 8.2% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group has risen from 11.1% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has shrunk from 12.2% to 10.9%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.5% to 11.4%. Future demographic models for 2041 indicate significant changes for the area. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 65% (488 people), growing from 753 to 1,242. Broadly, the combined age cohorts of 65+ will represent 75% of the total population growth, reflecting an aging population. On the other hand, the numbers for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to contract.