Gwelup (WA)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the broader region and new locations validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Gwelup is calculated to be approximately 5,676 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 285 individuals (5.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,391 individuals. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,639, calculated by Districts following analysis of the most recent ERP data publication by the ABS (June 2025) alongside an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,930 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national areas evaluated by Districts. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Gwelup has shown strong growth trends with a 2.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 area. Population expansion for the locality was chiefly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 67.0% of total demographic gains during recent periods.

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Gwelup has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing high representation, an unemployment rate of only 0.6%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the last year, based on Districts compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,208 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.6% below the rate of 4.2% in Greater Perth, and workforce participation is generally close to the 70.2% observed in Greater Perth. Based on Census answers, a low 12.4% of residents were found to work from home, though COVID-19 lockdown effects should be kept in mind.

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The suburb of Gwelup's income scale is among the highest in Australia according to the most recent ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Gwelup's median income among taxpayers is $65,783 and the average income is $93,993, which compares to figures for Greater Perth of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,973 (median) and $104,266 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household incomes rank exceptionally at the 93rd percentile ($2,658 weekly). Income brackets show the largest group covers 30.0% of locals (1,702 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from trends in the surrounding region where 32.0% fall within the - range. The area shows significant affluence with earning over per week, supporting premium retail and service businesses. After housing costs, residents keep of income, showing strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking puts it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Gwelup, as measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the rate of home ownership within Gwelup was far ahead of Perth metro, at 42.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (47.0%) or rented (10.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Perth metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $600, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Gwelup's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 79.0% of all households, comprising 45.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.0%, with single person households at 19.4% and group households making up 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in Gwelup significantly exceeds broader benchmarks, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.0% in the SA4 region. This notable educational lead positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational skills are also prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (16.5%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 33 active transport stops operating within Gwelup comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 571 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 12% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 12.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data indicates positive outcomes for Gwelup residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results generally in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the overall population, although it is higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (3,661 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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Gwelup was found to have greater cultural diversity than the vast majority of local markets, with 13.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.5% born overseas. The primary religion in Gwelup was found to be Christianity, which accounts for 55.2% of people in Gwelup. However, the most visible overrepresentation was in Judaism, which makes up 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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The 42-year median age in the suburb of Gwelup is significantly above Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly older than Australia's 38 years. The 85+ age group shows strong representation at 5.9% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 7.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has expanded from 9.8% to 12.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 7.6% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 group has decreased from 6.7% to 5.2% and the 65 to 74 group fell from to . Population forecasts for point to major demographic changes for the suburb of Gwelup. Leading the demographic shift, the + group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, showing the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Gwelup currently has an estimated 295 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 161 children aged 0-2 and 107 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 289 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 657. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.