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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Spearwood's population is around 12,950 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,682 people (14.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,268 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,592 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 237 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,986 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spearwood's 14.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 56.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,653 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 17.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 94 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 473 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 81 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed 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 $265,000. Additionally, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has 15.0% less new development (per person), placing it among the 83rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Spearwood will gain 2,295 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Spearwood Housing Project - Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, Shoreline North Coogee, and Windfall Residences Port Coogee, 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.

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

Spearwood has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,751 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.8% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.3% 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 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 0.9%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.3 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 Spearwood. 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 Spearwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Spearwood SA2's median income among taxpayers is $59,681, with an average of $75,109. This is high nationally, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,422 (median) and $82,334 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Spearwood, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.6% of the community (3,962 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th percentile, and the area'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

Dwelling structure within Spearwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.3% houses and 25.7% 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 Spearwood was higher than that of Perth metro, at 35.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (29.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Perth metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Spearwood's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 66.1% of all households, comprising 25.8% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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

Educational qualifications in Spearwood trail regional benchmarks, with 20.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.4%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 66 active transport stops operating within Spearwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,422 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Spearwood residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,329 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.9% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 68.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,021 people), which is 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 25.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born overseas. The main religion in Spearwood is Christianity, which makes up 57.0% of the population. This compares to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Spearwood are English, comprising 24.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.7% of the population, and Italian, comprising 11.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 5.3% of Spearwood (vs 0.8% regionally), Serbian at 1.3% (vs 0.3%) and Filipino at 2.8% (vs 1.4%).

Spearwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Spearwood's median age is significantly above the Greater Perth average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (8.4% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.0%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.0% to 8.4% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 13.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Spearwood's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 38%, adding 548 residents to reach 1,996. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 65% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 cohorts.