Cockatoo (Vic.)

Cockatoo is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of Cockatoo, Vic., as of November 2025 is estimated at around 4650 people. This figure reflects an increase of 242 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4408 people. The current population estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 4636. This level of population results in a density ratio of 163 persons per square kilometer. Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 56% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth, with the suburb expected to expand by 98 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 0.5% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Cockatoo is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Cockatoo has experienced around 6 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 31 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26. Despite a declining population, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $847,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $10.8 million, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cockatoo has significantly lower building activity, with 87.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's development is also below the national average, reflecting its maturity and potential planning constraints.

Recent development in Cockatoo has been exclusively detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 764 people per dwelling approval in the area. Future projections estimate a population increase of 22 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Cockatoo has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area. Key projects include South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, Additional VLocity Trains, and Level Crossing Removal Project (Melbourne).

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

Cockatoo's workforce is skilled with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% in an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 3.9%. As of June 2025, Cockatoo had 2,775 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Cockatoo was 67.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing were the primary industries for residents.

Construction had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Professional & technical services had limited presence at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally might be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year leading up to June 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, labour force grew by 4.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points in Cockatoo. Comparing this with Greater Melbourne shows similar trends but slightly different magnitudes. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cockatoo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for local population changes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median assessed income in Cockatoo is $52,955 and average income stands at $71,779. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $59,394 (median) and $80,507 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Cockatoo cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 42.8% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Cockatoo, as per the latest Census, all dwellings were houses with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cockatoo stood at 24.9%, mirroring Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged dwellings made up 67.3%, while rented ones accounted for 7.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,742, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,866 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Cockatoo was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $361 and the national figure of $375.

Cockatoo features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 79.6% of all households, including 41.9% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

The educational profile of Cockatoo exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (33.7%). Educational participation is high at 32.8%, with 12.7% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 368 students: Cockatoo Primary School and Fernbrook School. These schools offer typical Australian educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1022). There is one primary and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 7.9 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 16.4, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Cockatoo's public transport analysis indicates 19 active stops in operation, all of which are bus services. These stops are covered by seven different routes, offering a combined total of 545 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed moderate; residents generally reside 593 meters away from the nearest stop.

The average service frequency across all routes is 77 trips per day, equating to around 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Cockatoo are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Cockatoo's health indicators show below-average results. Common health conditions are somewhat typical among its general population but higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 2,566 people), compared to 51.6% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.9 and 9.5% of residents respectively. About 66.5% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Greater Melbourne. The area has approximately 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (604 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Cockatoo is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cockatoo's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 29.5%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.1%), English (29.6%), and Irish (7.9%). Notably, Dutch (2.9%) Hungarian (0.5%), and Russian (0.5%) populations are higher than regional averages of 2.6%, 0.4%, and 0.2% respectively.

Cockatoo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Cockatoo's median age in 2021 was nearly 36 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of approximately 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's overall median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cockatoo had a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of Cockatoo's population in the 75 to 84 age group increased from 2.3% to 3.9%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 13.6% to 11.7%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Cockatoo's age profile by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 55%, adding 99 residents and reaching a total of 281 residents. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute significantly to population growth, with an expected increase of 64%. Conversely, the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.