Alfred Cove

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

Drawing from the assessment of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region, combined with fresh locations verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the resident count in the suburb of Alfred Cove is calculated to stand at roughly 3,016 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 186 individuals (6.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 2,830 people. This variation is derived from a resident figure of 3,007, computed by AreaSearch following an analysis of the ABS's June 2025 ERP release alongside 36 validated new addresses established post-Census. Such a population size corresponds to a density of 2,792 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Alfred Cove in the highest quarter of all Australian locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The 6.6% post-Census expansion recorded in the suburb of Alfred Cove trails the national benchmark (9.3%) by 2.7 percentage points, showing solid growth dynamics. The expansion was largely propelled by arrivals from abroad, who accounted for approximately 93.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates regional projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, utilizing 2022 as its starting point. For regions missing from these reports, and to project trends past 2032, growth coefficients by age brackets from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (relying on 2022 data) are applied. Long-term projections indicate that the suburb of Alfred Cove will experience expansion ahead of the median for national statistical divisions, with local numbers expected to rise by 365 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 11.8% over the 16 years.

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

Based on statistical allocations of building approvals, the suburb of Alfred Cove averages approximately 11 approved residential properties annually, culminating in 59 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been registered. An average absorption rate of 2.1 new residents per home constructed was recorded between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy underlying demand. Newly approved dwellings carry an average estimated construction cost of $724,000, which suggests that builders are focusing on higher-end builds. Meanwhile, commercial projects valued at $266,000 have been authorized during this financial year, reinforcing the residential focus of the neighborhood.

Relative to Greater Perth, per capita construction volume in the suburb of Alfred Cove is roughly 64% of the metropolitan average, placing it in the 70th percentile across the country, though development rates have quickened recently. This construction comprises 80.0% standalone houses and 20.0% multi-dwelling options or apartments, maintaining a low-density suburban landscape favored by buyers seeking larger layouts. The ratio of residents to yearly dwelling approvals stands at approximately 193 people.

Long-range forecasts estimate the suburb of Alfred Cove will add 356 citizens through to 2041 compared to the most recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch. While construction activity is keeping pace with these projections, home buyers may encounter heightened competition as the resident pool grows.

Alfred Cove has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Developments in public infrastructure, significant works, and local zoning decisions shape local area outcomes. Two projects have been tracked that are likely to influence the area. These developments include the Westfield Booragoon Redevelopment, the Attadale Reserve Masterplan & Sports Facilities Upgrade, the Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion, and the Fremantle to Murdoch and Cockburn Central Transport Capacity project.

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AreaSearch analysis places Alfred Cove well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

The local workforce exhibits high levels of qualification, with substantial employment in essential services and a jobless rate of only 2.9%. In March 2026, 1,668 working citizens were recorded, keeping the unemployment rate 1.3% below the Greater Perth average of 4.2%. Participation in the labor market aligns closely with the metropolitan rate of 70.2%. Census figures indicate that a modest 12.7% of the workforce operated from home, though this data reflects potential pandemic-era distortions.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are healthcare & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training shows a strong concentration, reaching 1.5 times the wider metropolitan average. By contrast, transport, postal & warehousing represents a small share at 3.1% of employment, compared to 4.7% regionally. The imbalances between the count of local workers and resident jobholders indicate that the neighborhood is mostly residential, offering few local employment positions.

Analysis of statistical updates indicates that during the year leading to March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 2.1% while total jobs fell by 2.7%, pushing the unemployment rate up by 0.6 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth recorded a 2.0% rise in jobs and a 2.5% expansion of its labor force, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. The May-25 long-term national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate prospective local workforce demands. Mapped against the local industry mix, these projections suggest local employment could rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming local trends mirror national projections of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively across different sectors.

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

According to the financial year 2023 ATO tax figures, taxpayers in the suburb of Alfred Cove have a median income of $62,288 and an average income of $95,622. These levels are highly elevated nationally, comparing favorably to the Greater Perth median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Adjusted for the Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, the updated estimates correspond to a median of $69,096 and an average of $106,073 as of March 2026. Weekly earnings across household, family, and individual brackets place the area in the 78th to 81st national percentiles. Furthermore, 25.3% of the cohort (763 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, whereas 32.0% fall into this bracket regionally. A substantial 37.8% of taxpayers earn weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, pointing to high local purchasing power. Residents retain 86.7% of their incomes after housing costs, placing the area in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index.

Alfred Cove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Residential housing options in the suburb of Alfred Cove during the recent Census consisted of 78.8% detached houses and 21.2% alternative structures like townhouses or apartments, compared to 77.8% and 22.1% across the Perth metropolitan area. Home ownership was notably higher than the metro average at 41.7%, while mortgaged properties stood at 40.6% and tenanted properties at 17.7%. Typical monthly mortgage payments were higher than the Perth metro median, recorded at $2,400 versus $1,907, while median weekly rent sat at $430 compared to $350 in the wider metro area. Nationally, mortgage obligations exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent costs are higher than the national median of $375.

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

Family units constitute 73.5% of households, consisting of 36.1% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 9.6% single parents. Non-family households represent 26.5% of the total, with lone occupants at 23.6% and shared residences at 2.5%. The typical household size is 2.6 residents, matching the metropolitan 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

Educational qualifications in the suburb of draft Alfred Cove are higher than broader benchmarks, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are held by 29.3% of the population, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.8%. Vocational qualifications are held by 29.2% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 18.2%.

Active educational enrollment is high, with 30.0% of the population attending classes. Primary school accounts for 10.1%, secondary school represents 8.5%, and higher education programs make up 6.4%.

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

Public transport routes in the suburb of Alfred Cove include 13 active bus stops. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, generating 1,152 weekly passenger trips. Typical walking distances to the nearest stop average 173 meters. Most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles accounting for 82% of journeys and buses accounting for 9%. The average household vehicle ownership rate is 1.5 cars. A low 12.7% of the workforce worked from home in the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Bus routes run at an average frequency of 164 trips daily, which represents approximately 88 weekly trips per active stop.

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

Health assessments indicate excellent results in the suburb of Alfred Cove, characterized by low mortality and chronic disease rates across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 65% of the population (1,965 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent health issues recorded were mental health challenges and arthritis, affecting 7.2% and 6.4% of residents. About 73.5% of the community reported no medical conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age citizens exhibit low rates of long-term illness. Citizens aged 65 and over make up 20.0% of the population (603 people), exceeding the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Senior health profiles are particularly strong, outperforming general national trends.

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

The suburb of Alfred Cove displays a higher level of cultural diversity than most areas, with 14.0% of residents using a language other than English at home and 29.8% born overseas. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 54.0% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parentage, the primary ancestries are English at 29.7%, Australian at 22.9%, and Irish at 7.8%. There are also elevated proportions of French ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Croatian at 1.2% (compared to 0.8%), and South Australian at 1.0% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

Alfred Cove's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in the suburb of Alfred Cove is 41 years, which is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is over-represented locally at 7.3%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is under-represented at 10.2%. Between the recent censuses, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 11.2% to 13.2% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 6.1% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 14.8% to 13.7%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort will see the fastest growth, increasing by 52% (adding 113 residents) to reach 334. Aging trends are expected to continue, with seniors aged 65 and over accounting for 62% of all projected population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to contract.