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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Cockburn Central is around 1,990. This reflects an increase of 469 people (30.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,521 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,987 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 721 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 30.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%) and that of the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 across all areas 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). Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the area expected to expand by 205 persons to reach a total population of 2,195 by 2041. This reflects an expected decrease of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Cockburn Central has seen approximately 30 dwellings receive development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 153 homes were approved, with another 145 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, about 0.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $347,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central has recorded 102.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater buyer choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, providing a mix of attached housing types catering to various price ranges. The preference for detached housing (67.0%) is higher than current patterns (27.0%), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

With approximately 40 people per approval, Cockburn Central reflects a developing area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Cockburn Central has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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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Employment performance in Cockburn Central has been broadly consistent with national averages

Cockburn Central's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,248 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Cockburn Central stands at 75.3%, exceeding Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services, with construction employing only 8.2% of local workers compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%.

With a ratio of 2.0 workers per resident as at the Census, Cockburn Central functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and labour force grew by 5.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 3.7%, labour force expand by 3.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.1 percentage points. 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, with varying growth rates across 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Cockburn Central had a median income among taxpayers of $73,211. The average income level stood at $89,004. This is among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Perth's levels of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $83,607 (median) and $101,643 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows individual earnings rank at the 80th percentile nationally ($1,020 weekly), while household income ranks at the 42nd percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 40.0% of locals (796 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. 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

The dwelling structure in Cockburn Central, as per the latest Census, consisted of 26.6% houses and 73.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cockburn Central was at 9.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented dwellings at 64.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, below Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $355, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, Cockburn Central's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 50.7%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households comprising 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's residents aged 15+ have a university qualification rate of 31.8%, slightly higher than the SA3 area average of 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 prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (24.8%).

Educational participation is high at 27.4%, with 11.3% in tertiary education, 4.2% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education. Cockburn Central has five schools with a combined enrollment of 40 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1014). The area has three secondary schools and two K-12 schools. School capacity is limited at 2.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.4, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas. Note that for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Cockburn Central has 36 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 individual routes, facilitating 3,686 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 190 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 526 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 102 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 shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 63% of residents have private health cover, compared to 56.4% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.1% and asthma impacts 7.5% of residents, with 74.6% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Greater Perth figure of 72.9%.

The area has 11.2% seniors (aged 65 and over), lower than Greater Perth's 14.8%. Senior health outcomes are notably strong, exceeding general population 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% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.5% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Cockburn Central, comprising 37.5%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 4.0% versus 1.9%.

The top three represented 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 equally represented 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 the Greater Perth average of 37 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.3% to 15.9%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 has risen from 5.5% to 6.7%. Conversely, the proportion 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 45 people (65%), from 69 to 115. Notably, the combined population growth for those aged 65 and above will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 45-54 and 55-64.