Cottesloe

Cottesloe has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Cottesloe is around 8,728, reflecting an increase of 978 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population estimate of 8,723 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,327 persons per square kilometer, placing Cottesloe in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. 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 growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Cottesloe, with an expected increase of 2,083 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 23.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cottesloe among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Cottesloe experienced around 50 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 253 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $2,190,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $62.3 million in commercial approvals registered, implying robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Perth, Cottesloe has slightly more development, about 17.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises approximately 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space.

Cottesloe reflects a developing area, with around 168 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 2,078 residents through to 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections. However, buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Cottesloe 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 22 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include 7-11 Station Street Mixed-Use Precinct, Ocean Village Cottesloe, Cottesloe Village Precinct and Town Centre Redevelopment, and McCabe Street Mixed-Use Residential Precinct (Former Rocky Bay Site). The following list details those 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.

The labour market strength in Cottesloe positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Cottesloe has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 4956 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 2.7% below Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Cottesloe specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 5.2% compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year ending Jun-25, Cottesloe's labour force decreased by 1.4%, and employment fell by 1.6%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment grew by 3.7% and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cottesloe's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.4% in five years and 15.1% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows income in Cottesloe is exceptionally high nationally. The median income is $84,217 while the average income stands at $295,283. This contrasts with Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $58,380 and an average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $96,176 (median) and $337,213 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Cottesloe, between the 97th and 98th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 44.1% of the population (3,849 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, unlike trends at regional levels where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic strength emerges through 54.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Cottesloe displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Cottesloe, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.0% houses and 31.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Perth metro's 68.6% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cottesloe stood at 46.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.7%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,925, higher than Perth metro's average of $3,293. Median weekly rent in Cottesloe was recorded at $550, compared to Perth metro's $450. Nationally, Cottesloe's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Cottesloe features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.3% of all households, including 31.7% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 29.7%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Cottesloe places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Cottesloe is notably high, with 60.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 30.1% in the Greater Perth area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 41.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational pathways account for 16.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 7.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in secondary education, 8.8% in tertiary education, and 8.1% pursuing primary education. North Cottesloe Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 349 students as of a recent report. The school's Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score is 1170, indicating high levels of advantage nationally. There is one primary school in the area, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local school capacity, which stands at 4.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.0.

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

Cottesloe has 43 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,465 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 216 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 495 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 80 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cottesloe shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 144%, or 12,602 people, compared to Greater Perth's 87.5% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (6.5%) and asthma (5.7%), with 75.5% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 74.2%.

Cottesloe has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.3%, or 2,033 people, compared to Greater Perth's 21.5%. Senior health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Cottesloe records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cottesloe's cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, with 74.2% born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 47.7%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups are English (34.1%), Australian (23.2%), and Scottish (10.0%). Notable divergences include Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.8%), French (1.0% vs 0.7%), and South African (0.9% vs 1.1%).

Cottesloe hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Cottesloe's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Perth's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 8.8% of Cottesloe's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.1% to 8.8%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, Cottesloe's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,306 people from 768. Those aged 65 and above are set to comprise 65% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.