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 12,654 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,386 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,268. The growth is inferred from ABS data: Spearwood's estimated resident population was 12,592 in June 2024, with an additional 221 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,940 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spearwood's growth rate of 12.3% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.7% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate an above-median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Spearwood projected to grow by 2,653 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 20.5% 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, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and heightened buyer competition, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost of $265,000.

In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $3.5 million have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has 15.0% less new development per person but ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally for areas assessed. New development consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Spearwood's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

The area has approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Spearwood is projected to gain 2,591 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Spearwood has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the region: Spearwood Housing Project - Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, Shoreline North Coogee, and Windfall Residences Port Coogee. The following list details those 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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9%.

As of September 2025, 6834 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 61.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 8.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 3.9%, while labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data up to 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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 2022 indicates Spearwood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,076 and an average of $71,844. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,181 (median) and $82,046 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Spearwood rank modestly, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 30.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring 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, consisted of 74.3% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spearwood was higher at 35.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (29.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Spearwood was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Spearwood was $350, lower than Perth metro's $370 and 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 at 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

Spearwood trail residents aged 15+ have a university degree qualification rate of 20.7%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.8% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 28.4%. A total of 24.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.8% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

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

Spearwood has 62 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by six different routes, offering a total of 1,416 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 188 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 202 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Spearwood are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Spearwood.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent here than average across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 55% of the total population (around 6,997 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.9 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.9% across Greater Perth. Spearwood has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,844 people), which is higher than the 14.8% in Greater Perth. This aligns with the general population's health profile.

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 showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Spearwood, accounting for 57.0%, compared to 48.5% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestral groups were English (24.5%), Australian (19.7%), and Italian (11.3%).

Notably, Croatian (5.3%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.3%. Serbian (1.3%) and Filipino (2.8%) also showed higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.7% and 2.1%.

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 older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has an over-representation of the 75-84 age group (8.2% locally) and an under-representation of the 5-14 age group (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.0% to 8.2%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, Spearwood's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65-74 cohort is expected to grow by 46%, adding 629 residents to reach 1,996. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 65% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.