Cockburn Central

Cockburn Central lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of Cockburn Central was estimated at around 2,112 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 591 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,521. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,083 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 765 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cockburn Central's growth of 38.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilised growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected for Cockburn Central, with an estimated increase of 202 persons to reach 2,314 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 12.1% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Cockburn Central when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Cockburn Central has experienced around 43 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 215 homes. So far in FY-26167 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.4 new residents arrive per new home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meets or exceeds demand. The average construction value of new homes is $347,000.

In FY-26, there have been $52.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central has 183.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% townhouses or apartments, providing choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (27.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 22 people per dwelling approval, Cockburn Central shows characteristics of a growth area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 17 such projects that are anticipated to impact the area. Notable projects include the Stockland Bull Creek Shopping Centre Upgrade, Harmony Apartments, Aboriginal Cultural and Visitors Centre Bibra Lake, and Cockburn Central West. The following list details those projects expected to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Cockburn Central has been broadly consistent with national averages

Cockburn Central has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year. As of that date, 1,234 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Cockburn Central was lower at 67.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 5.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Construction employed just 8.2% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. There were 2.0 workers for every resident in the area as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5% while labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cockburn Central's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Cockburn Central is $73,211 and average income is $89,040. This compares to Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248 for the same period. Based on a 9.62% increase from June 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $80,254 (median) and $97,566 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally are $1,020 weekly, while household income ranks at the 42nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 40.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Cockburn Central features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Cockburn Central, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 26.6% houses and 73.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metropolitan area had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cockburn Central was 9.4%, with the remainder either mortgaged (26.2%) or rented (64.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent was $355, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Cockburn Central's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Cockburn Central features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.3% of all households, including 13.2% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.7%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households comprising 6.0% of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Cockburn Central performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Cockburn Central has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications (31.8%) than the broader SA3 area average (27.4%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (24.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (11.3%), primary education (4.2%), and secondary education (3.6%).

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

Cockburn Central has 38 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 21 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,809 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 190 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most residents commuting outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 68%, followed by train at 21% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 687 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 126 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Cockburn Central is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Cockburn Central shows above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,320 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.1% of residents and asthma impacting 7.5%, while 74.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (253 people), lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Cockburn Central is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cockburn Central has a high level of cultural diversity, with 27.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 45.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cockburn Central, comprising 37.5% of the population. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 4.0% of Cockburn Central's population versus 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.7%), Australian (16.6%), and Other (15.4%). Notably, Maori (1.6%) and Korean (1.4%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. South African ancestry is also slightly overrepresented at 1.1%.

Cockburn Central hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Cockburn Central has a median age of 31 years, which is lower than both the Greater Perth average of 37 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (30.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.5%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. From 2021 to present, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 5.5% to 7.2%, while the percentage of those aged 75-84 has risen from 2.4% to 3.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.6% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Cockburn Central's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to increase by 35 people (a 45% rise) from 80 to 116. Notably, the combined population growth in all age groups above 65 years will account for 100% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend in the area. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 45-54 and 55-64.