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 the Cockatoo (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 4,595 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 187 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,408 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 4,574 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 161 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. The Cockatoo (Vic.) (SA2) is anticipated to expand by 140 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 2.6% in total over the 17 years.

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 approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually in Cockatoo. This results in an estimated 22 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with no approvals so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $847,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $10.8 million, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cockatoo has markedly lower building activity, 91.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent development has comprised entirely detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1529 people. Future projections estimate Cockatoo will add 119 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Cockatoo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the 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).

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

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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% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. As of that date, 2,729 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation was 67.1%, close to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Major employment sectors included construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Construction had a strong presence, being 1.8 times the regional level. Professional & technical services had limited representation with 4.9% employment compared to the regional 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. In the preceding 12 months, employment increased by 4.1%, labour force by 4.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne's 3.0% employment growth, 3.3% labour force expansion, and 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cockatoo's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Cockatoo suburb is $52,955 and average income is $71,779. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current median income is approximately $57,324 and average income is around $77,701. Census data from 2021 indicates incomes in Cockatoo cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 42.8% of locals (1,966 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to metropolitan region's 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in Cockatoo showed 100.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cockatoo was 24.9%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 67.3% and rented dwellings at 7.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cockatoo was $1,742, below the Melbourne metro average of $1,866. The median weekly rent figure in Cockatoo was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $361. Nationally, Cockatoo's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up 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, matching 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 the 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, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.7% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport data indicates 19 active transport stops operating within Cockatoo. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 7 individual routes that facilitate 493 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically situated 593 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 25 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 outcomes with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 55% of Cockatoo's total population (~2,535 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 51.8%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.9 and 9.5% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.3%. Cockatoo has 13.0% of its population aged 65 and over (597 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting challenges requiring 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, 86.7% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Cockatoo, comprising 29.5% of people there, compared to Judaism which makes up 0.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups in Cockatoo are Australian (32.1%), English (29.6%), and Irish (7.9%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 2.6%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Russian at 0.5% against 0.2%.

Cockatoo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Cockatoo's median age is nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cockatoo has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 2.3% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.6% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Cockatoo's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 59%, adding 105 residents to reach 285. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 62% of population growth, reflecting aging demographic trends. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 25-34 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.