Fremantle

Population growth drivers in Fremantle are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The Fremantle statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of 10,931 as of Nov 2025, according to analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure reflects a growth of 1,680 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,251. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 10,814 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,976 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Fremantle's growth rate of 18.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate growth post-2032. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The Fremantle (SA2) is expected to grow by 2,371 persons to reach a total of 13,292 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 20.1% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Fremantle was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Fremantle averaged approximately 93 new dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 467 homes were approved, with an additional 29 so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 3.4 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed during this period.

Consequently, demand has been outpacing supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is around $608,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen approximately $35.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Fremantle exhibits 76.0% higher development activity per person. The new development composition is around 13.0% standalone homes and 87.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects the reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 40.0% houses.

With approximately 88 people per dwelling approval, Fremantle displays characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Fremantle is projected to grow by around 2,203 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Swan River Crossings Project, Monument East, Elder Place Fremantle (Elders Wool Stores Redevelopment), and Fremantle Oval Precinct Masterplan. 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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Fremantle shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Fremantle has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of September 2025, 6,538 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is similar at 65.2%. Key industries for Fremantle residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but construction is under-represented at 6.0% compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating Fremantle functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting external workers.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Fremantle increased by 4.0% and labour force grew by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, lagging 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 Fremantle's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Fremantle is high nationally. The median income is $58,739 and the average income is $91,288. This contrasts with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $64,390 (median) and $100,070 (average). Census 2021 data shows individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally are $1,021 weekly. However, household income ranks lower at the 54th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 28.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 3,093 residents in this bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.0% fall into this category. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 54th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Fremantle displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As of the latest Census evaluation in Fremantle, 40.0% of dwellings were houses while 60.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Perth metropolitan area had 61.2% houses and 38.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fremantle stood at 29.1%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 28.1% and rented dwellings making up 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fremantle was $2,167, aligning with the Perth metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent was $380 compared to Perth's $379. Nationally, Fremantle's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 52.5% of all households, including 16.7% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 47.5%, with lone person households at 40.5% and group households making up 6.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.3.

Fremantle shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Fremantle is notably high, with 48.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares to 27.9% for Western Australia (WA) and 28.6% for the Small Area Level 4 (SA4) region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.8%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 26.1% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas constitute 10.7% and certificates make up 15.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures. This includes 10.5% in tertiary education, 6.0% in primary education, and 5.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Fremantle has 77 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 35 individual routes, collectively facilitating 7,460 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 140 meters from the nearest stop.

Services operate at an average frequency of 1,065 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fremantle's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Fremantle's health data shows positive outcomes with common conditions prevalent across all ages. Private health cover stands at 63%, compared to 67.1% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 10.9% and asthma impacts 7.4% of residents, while 68.5% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Perth's 69.6%.

Fremantle has 19.3% seniors (2,109 people), lower than Greater Perth's 20.7%. Despite this, senior health outcomes are strong and better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Fremantle was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Fremantle, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets with 13.2% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 32.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Fremantle, accounting for 33.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism showed an overrepresentation in Fremantle at 0.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.9%). Some ethnic groups also showed notable differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 1.3% in Fremantle compared to 1.0% regionally, French at 1.2% versus 1.0%, and Croatian at 1.3% compared to 1.4%.

Fremantle's median age exceeds the national pattern

Fremantle's median age is 41 years, notably higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Fremantle has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (11.4% locally) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). Post the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group grew from 6.9% to 8.9%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.4% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.0% to 12.5%. By 2041, Fremantle's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 77%, adding 546 residents to reach 1,257. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 54% of the population growth. However, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.