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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Cockburn Central's estimated population is around 2,083. This reflects an increase of 562 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,521. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 754 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cockburn Central's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Cockburn Central statistical area is expected to increase by 205 persons to reach a population of 2,288 by 2041. This reflects an overall decline of 10.9% in total 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 allocated from statistical area data, Cockburn Central has experienced around 43 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 215 homes. So far in FY26, recorded approvals amount to 167. Over these five years, an average of 0.4 new residents per new home has been observed.

The average construction value for new homes is $347,000. In FY26, commercial approvals have totalled $52.3 million. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central's construction activity per person is 184.0% higher. Recent construction comprises 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% townhouses or apartments. With around 22 people per dwelling approval, Cockburn Central indicates growth area characteristics.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less pronounced in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Stockland Bull Creek Shopping Centre Upgrade, Harmony Apartments, Aboriginal Cultural and Visitors Centre Bibra Lake, and Cockburn Central West. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Cockburn Central has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Cockburn Central has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 3.4%.

As of September 2025, 1,225 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.6%, 0.6% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was high at 75.3%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key employment industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services, while construction employed only 8.2% of local workers, lower than the Greater Perth average of 9.3%.

The area functioned as an employment hub with a ratio of 2.0 workers per resident at the Census. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.4%, and labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data from WA as of 25-Nov-25 showed employment had contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Cockburn Central's industry mix suggested a slightly lower growth of 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 median income in Cockburn Central suburb is $73,211 and average income is $89,040. This compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $80,254 and average income $97,566. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally are $1,020 weekly, but household income ranks at the 42nd percentile. Income brackets show that 40.0% of Cockburn Central residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (833 individuals), similar to broader area trends at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile nationally. The suburb'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

Cockburn Central's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 26.6% houses and 73.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Perth metro's figures of 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cockburn Central stood at 9.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 64.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Cockburn Central was $355, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Cockburn Central's mortgage repayments were below 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 50.7%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households making up 6.0%. 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%) compared to the broader 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 held by 36.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 24.8%.

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

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

Cockburn Central has 38 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 21 unique routes, facilitating a total of 4,809 weekly passenger trips. The area boasts excellent transport accessibility, with residents situated an average of 190 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 687 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 126 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cockburn Central demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,302 people), compared to 57.9% across Greater Perth and 55.7% nationally. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.1% and 7.5% of residents respectively.

A total of 74.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.9% across Greater Perth. The area has 11.2% of residents aged 65 and over (233 people), lower than the 14.8% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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, making up 37.5% of people there. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 4.0% of Cockburn Central's population versus 1.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 25.7%, Australian at 16.6%, and Other at 15.4%. Notably, Maori (1.6% vs 0.9%), Korean (1.4% vs 0.3%) and South African (1.1% vs 1.1%) ethnic groups are similarly represented in Cockburn Central compared to the regional average.

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 Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (30.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.5%). The concentration of residents aged 25-34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.3% to 15.9%, while the percentage of residents aged 65-74 has risen from 5.5% to 6.7%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.6% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Cockburn Central's age profile. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to increase by 42 people (58%), from 72 to 115. Notably, all population growth will come from the combined age groups of 65 and above, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 45-54 and 55-64.