Cottesloe

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Cottesloe statistical area (Lv2) is around 8,730. This reflects a growth of 980 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,750. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,723 in Jun 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,328 persons per square kilometer, placing Cottesloe (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's population growth of 12.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 9.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Cottesloe (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimates, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 2,083 persons, 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, indicates Cottesloe has experienced around 50 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 253 homes. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed, suggesting solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $2,190,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

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

Cottesloe reflects a developing area, with around 168 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate predicts Cottesloe will grow by 2,076 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Cottesloe has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to affect this area. Notable projects include Cottesloe Village Precinct and Town Centre Redevelopment, 7-11 Station Street Mixed-Use Precinct, Ocean Village Cottesloe, 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 of September 2025, there are 4,872 employed residents, with a 2.8% lower unemployment rate compared to Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth at 65.2%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 5.2% of Cottesloe's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the working population vs resident population count. In the year ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.9% and employment by 3.1%, increasing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.9%. State-wide, WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with a state unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cottesloe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though this is a simple 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 data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Cottesloe was $84,217 and average income was $295,283. This compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $92,319 and average income $323,689, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data ranks Cottesloe's household, family, and personal incomes between the 97th and 98th percentiles nationally. In Cottesloe, 44.1% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually, unlike regional trends where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 54.4% of households, indicating strong consumer spending power. After housing costs, residents retain 88.3% of income, reflecting robust purchasing power. 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

As evaluated in the latest Census, 69.0% of dwellings in Cottesloe were houses, with the remaining 31.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Perth metro had 68.6% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cottesloe stood at 46.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.7% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,925, above Perth metro's average of $3,293. Median weekly rent in Cottesloe was $550, compared to Perth metro's $450. Nationally, Cottesloe's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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

Cottesloe's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 60.6% hold university qualifications compared to WA's 27.9% and Greater Perth's 30.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 41.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 16.5%, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 7.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (9.4%), tertiary education (8.8%), and primary education (8.1%).

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

Cottesloe has 40 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,653 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 220 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 664 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 116 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's health outcomes data shows excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 144%, covering 12,605 people, compared to Greater Perth's 86.3%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Cottesloe, affecting 6.5% and 5.7% of residents respectively. 75.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 74.2%. As of 2021, 23.3% of Cottesloe's residents are aged 65 and over (2,034 people), higher than Greater Perth's 21.5%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Cottesloe are particularly 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 region, as shown by its population born in Australia (74.2%), citizens (89.0%), and English-only speakers at home (93.3%). Christianity is the dominant religion in Cottesloe at 47.7%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Cottesloe compared to Greater Perth, with 0.3% of its population identifying as such.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.1%), Australian (23.2%), and Scottish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Welsh are slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, French at 1.0%, and South African at 0.9%.

Cottesloe hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Cottesloe's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Perth's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 8.8% of Cottesloe's population compared to Greater Perth, while the 35-44 cohort comprises 10.9%. Post-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 decreased from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Cottesloe's age profile. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,306 people from 768. Those aged 65 and above are expected to account for 65% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.