Alfred Cove

Population growth drivers in Alfred Cove are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Alfred Cove statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,996. This reflects an increase of 166 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,830. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,949 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,774 persons per square kilometer, placing Alfred Cove (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in 2025, Alfred Cove has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 estimations, 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 national statistical areas. By 2041, the Alfred Cove (SA2) is expected to expand by 411 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Alfred Cove recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Alfred Cove has seen around 8 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 41 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 5.4 people move to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition.

The average construction cost for new dwellings is $724,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In this financial year, $266,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Alfred Cove has 56.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity may strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, building activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity or possible development constraints.

The majority of new dwellings are detached (83.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (17.0%), maintaining Alfred Cove's suburban character focused on family homes. With around 356 people per dwelling approval, it shows a developed market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Alfred Cove to add approximately 472 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Alfred Cove has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area: Attadale Reserve Masterplan & Sports Facilities Upgrade, and Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion. Other notable projects include Fremantle to Murdoch and Cockburn Central Transport Capacity, and Myaree Business Area Master Plan.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Alfred Cove demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Alfred Cove has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than the national average of 5.1% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%. The area's unemployment rate is 1.4% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, with workforce participation at 67.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented, with only 3.1% of Alfred Cove's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 4.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force increased by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 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 indicate a projected expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Alfred Cove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Alfred Cove has high incomes nationally. The median income is $62,288 and the average is $95,622. In comparison, Greater Perth's median income is $60,748 and average income is $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,280 (median) and $104,821 (average). Census data shows Alfred Cove's household, family, and personal incomes rank high nationally, between the 78th and 81st percentiles. Income brackets reveal that 25.3% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends in the area showing 32.0% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.8%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Alfred Cove. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Alfred Cove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Alfred Cove's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 76.5% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alfred Cove was 41.7%, mirroring Perth metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 40.6%, while rented dwellings made up 17.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,200. Median weekly rent in Alfred Cove was recorded at $430, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Alfred Cove's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Alfred Cove has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 73.5% of all households, including 36.1% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

Alfred Cove demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Alfred Cove's residents aged 15+ have a high educational attainment, with 42.9% holding university qualifications compared to WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 28.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 29.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 29.2% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Alfred Cove has 13 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 1,152 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 173 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 164 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

Alfred Cove's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Alfred Cove's health outcomes data shows excellent results across all age groups with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 65% (1,952 people) have private health cover, higher than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.2 and 6.4% of residents respectively. A total of 73.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.5% in Greater Perth. The area has 20.1% (602 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 22.4% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Alfred Cove was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Alfred Cove has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 14.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Alfred Cove, making up 54.0% of people, compared to 50.2% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (22.9%), and Irish (7.8%).

There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French is overrepresented at 0.9%, Croatian at 1.2%, and South African at 1.0%.

Alfred Cove's median age exceeds the national pattern

Alfred Cove's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Alfred Cove has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.5% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.2% to 12.8%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.1% to 7.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 0 to 4 decreased from 5.5% to 4.5%. By 2041, Alfred Cove's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 64%, adding 143 residents to reach a total of 368. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 62% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.