Spearwood
Statistical Area - sa2

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 around 12,654 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,386 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,268 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,592 in June 2024 and an additional 221 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,940 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spearwood's growth rate of 12.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 the area, with an expected increase of 2,653 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 20.5% 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 approximately 94 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 473 homes. As of FY-26, 30 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to demand outstripping supply, potentially driving price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new properties is $265,000. In FY-26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential focus. Compared to Greater Perth, Spearwood has 15.0% fewer new developments per person but ranks at the 84th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

New development comprises 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes. There are approximately 123 people per dwelling approval in Spearwood, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts project that Spearwood will gain 2,591 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Spearwood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Spearwood Housing Project by Uniting WA, Phoenix Activity Centre Redevelopment, Shoreline North Coogee, and Windfall Residences Port Coogee. Below is a list of 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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year.

There were 6,868 residents employed in June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 61.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key employment sectors for Spearwood residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a notable specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spearwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 financial year 2022, Spearwood's median income among taxpayers is $57,076. The average income in Spearwood during this period was $71,844. Nationally, these figures are high, with Spearwood's median income being higher than Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Spearwood would be approximately $65,181 (median) and $82,046 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Spearwood rank modestly, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.6% of the community (3,872 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Spearwood, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile. 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

Spearwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.3% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spearwood was higher at 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Spearwood was $350, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Spearwood's mortgage repayments were below 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 account for 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 constitute 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 has 20.7% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.4%). A total of 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 7.8% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

Spearwood's three schools have a combined enrollment of 536 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016). These schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. The local school capacity is limited at 4.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 stops. These are served by six unique routes that together facilitate 1,416 weekly passenger journeys. Residents enjoy excellent transport access, with an average distance of 188 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 202 trips across all routes, translating to roughly 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

Spearwood shows below-average health indicators.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent here compared to averages across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~6,997 people). 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 72.9% across Greater Perth. Spearwood has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.5% (2,844 people), compared to the Greater Perth average of 14.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Spearwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Spearwood has high cultural diversity, with 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Spearwood, comprising 57.0%, compared to 48.5% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups are English (24.5%), Australian (19.7%), and Italian (11.3%).

Notably, Croatian (5.3%) and Serbian (1.3%) are overrepresented in Spearwood compared to regional averages of 2.3% and 0.7%, respectively, while Filipino (2.8%) is slightly higher than the regional average of 2.1%.

Spearwood's median age exceeds 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 a notably higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.2% locally) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.0% to 8.2%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased 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, while declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.