Spearwood

Spearwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Spearwood's population is approximately 12,950 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,682 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,268. The growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 12,592 in June 2024 and an additional 237 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,986 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spearwood's growth rate of 14.9% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 9.9%, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Spearwood expected to grow by 2,653 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.7% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Spearwood was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Spearwood has averaged approximately 94 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 473 homes. As of FY26, 53 approvals have been recorded. Historically, about 3.1 new residents have arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are being constructed at an average cost of $265,000.

This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has 15.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 83rd percentile nationally for areas assessed. New development primarily consists of detached houses (82.0%) and medium to high-density housing (18.0%), maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

There are approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Spearwood is projected to gain 2,295 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Spearwood has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact this region: Spearwood Housing Project - Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, Shoreline North Coogee, and Windfall Residences Port Coogee. The following details those likely most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Spearwood recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Spearwood's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%.

There were 6,834 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 67.9%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 6.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a higher employment share at 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4%, compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.9% and labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In Greater Perth during the same period, employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spearwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Spearwood SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $59,681 and an average of $75,109. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $65,422 (median) and $82,334 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Spearwood, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution shows 30.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to regional levels at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th percentile. Spearwood's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Spearwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 74.3% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Spearwood was at 35.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (29.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Spearwood was recorded at $350, aligning with Perth metro's figure of $350. Nationally, Spearwood's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Spearwood features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 66.1% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households making up 30.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Spearwood shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

In Spearwood Trail region, as of the latest data available, 20.7% of residents aged 15 years and above have university degrees, compared to Australia's national average of 30.4%. This indicates a gap that suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent higher education qualification, held by 15.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.3%, and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.4%). Notably, a substantial 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education at various levels: primary education (7.8%), secondary education (6.3%), and tertiary education (5.1%).

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

Spearwood has 66 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,422 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 188 meters from the nearest stop. Spearwood being primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 86%, while only 6% use trains. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.3% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Spearwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Spearwood residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts, with a high rate of private health cover at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,329 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.9%) and arthritis (8.4%). 68.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Spearwood has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,021 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Spearwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Spearwood's population, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data from 2016, shows higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Specifically, 25.9% speak a language other than English at home, and 36.4% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Spearwood, with 57.0%, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 45.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.5%), Australian (19.7%), and Italian (11.3%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 4.2%. Other notable ethnic groups with higher representation in Spearwood include Croatian at 5.3% (regional average: 0.8%), Serbian at 1.3% (regional average: 0.3%), and Filipino at 2.8% (regional average: 1.4%).

Spearwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Spearwood's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly above Australia's median age of 38 years. Comparing Spearwood with Greater Perth, the 75-84 age group is notably over-represented at 8.4%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.0% to 8.4% of Spearwood's population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 13.1%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.7%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Spearwood's age profile by 2041. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow by 38%, adding 548 residents to reach 1,996. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 65% of the population growth. Conversely, populations in the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to decline.