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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cooloongup's population is around 9,062 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 559 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,503 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,060 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,816 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,195 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Cooloongup has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 34 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 10.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $197,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $5.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Compared to Greater Perth, Cooloongup shows substantially reduced construction (91.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 1063 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Future projections show Cooloongup adding 1,193 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Cooloongup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Rivergums Baldivis, Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Seaside Estate Madora Bay, and Parkland Heights Baldivis, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Cooloongup possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 12.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,911 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 8.8% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.9% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 3.5% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while the labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.3%, the labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cooloongup. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cooloongup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 for FY-23, the Cooloongup SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,878 with the average level standing at $61,607. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,772 (median) and $67,534 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Cooloongup all fall between the 11th and 15th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.5% of the community (2,763 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, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Cooloongup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cooloongup was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 33.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (25.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Cooloongup's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.2% of all households, comprising 23.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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 (8.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (34.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 67 active transport stops operating within Cooloongup, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 4,709 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 9% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 672 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 70 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Cooloongup, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,512 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 10.5% of residents, respectively, while 59.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,125 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 9.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.8% born overseas. The main religion in Cooloongup is Christianity, which makes up 41.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cooloongup are English, comprising 34.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 25.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Cooloongup (vs 0.7% regionally), Maori at 2.2% (vs 0.9%) and New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.8%).

Cooloongup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Cooloongup is significantly above Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 12.3% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.5% to 8.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.7% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Cooloongup. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 66% (522 people), reaching 1,311 from 788. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 74% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.