Spearwood (WA)

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Based on demographic studies of broader statistical releases and address data validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Spearwood is estimated to have a population of approximately 12,380 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,436 people (13.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,944 residents. The estimate builds upon a baseline of 12,279 residents calculated from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population data, supplemented by 124 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population level yields a density of 2,029 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical ratio observed across locations monitored nationwide by Districts. The suburb of Spearwood's 13.1% growth rate since the 2021 Census outperformed the national benchmark of 9.3%, positioning it as a leading growth area in the vicinity. Gains were largely underpinned by international migration, which accounted for roughly 57% of the population increase, though interstate migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

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The suburb of Spearwood possesses a skilled labor force with a notable presence in manufacturing and industrial operations, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.6% according to aggregated data. As of March 2026, 6,367 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 1.4% higher than the Greater Perth level of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is also lower, standing at 64.8% relative to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records show that a minor 6.3% of the working population operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Aggregated tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in the suburb of Spearwood recorded a median income of $56,178 and an average income of $70,714. This outperforms the national average but is below the respective Greater Perth figures of $60,748 and $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, the updated figures are estimated at approximately $62,318 (median) and $78,443 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing between the 32nd and 38th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 30.5% of the population (3,775 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is close to the regional rate of 32.0%. Housing costs absorb a significant share of earnings, leaving only of income discretionary, which ranks at the st percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 73.6% detached houses and 26.4% other dwelling types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership in the suburb of Spearwood stood at 36.1%, which is higher than the Perth metropolitan average, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (34.5%) or tenants (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was below the Perth metropolitan average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $350, compared to metropolitan averages of $1,907 and $350 respectively. On a national level, mortgage outlays are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of households at 65.7%, which includes 25.3% couples with dependent children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3%, with single person households representing 30.5% and group share houses making up 3.7% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.3 individuals is lower than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The local population shows lower levels of tertiary attainment, with university graduation rates standing at 20.0%, below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a credential in these fields, comprising advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.4%).

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Public transport infrastructure includes 64 active transit stops within the suburb of Spearwood, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 6 routes, which provide a combined total of 1,422 weekly trips. Access is highly rated, with residents situated an average of 187 meters from the nearest transit point. The area is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 86%, followed by train travel at 5%. Residents own an average of 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.3% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era patterns.

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Health indicators are generally positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions showing results that align with national averages across different age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 55% of residents (~6,842 people) holding a policy, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth.

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The suburb of Spearwood exhibits high cultural diversity, with 26.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 57.2% of the local population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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With a median age of 41 years, the suburb of Spearwood is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is overrepresented at 8.0% compared to the Greater Perth average, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 10.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 12.9% to 13.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.7%. Long-term projections indicate significant changes by 2041, with the 65 to 74 group showing the largest increase of 38% (an additional residents, reaching ). Residents aged and older represent of the projected population growth, while decreases are expected in the to and to age brackets.

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Spearwood currently has an estimated 643 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 387 children aged 0-2 and 258 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 618 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,008. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.