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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Fremantle is around 10,931. This reflects an increase of 1,680 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,251. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,814 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 303 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,976 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fremantle's growth rate of 18.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, 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. Looking ahead, aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Fremantle expected to grow by 2,349 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.1% over the 17 years.

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 in Fremantle shows an average of 93 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 467 homes were approved, with a further 29 approved so far in FY-26. This results in around 3.4 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually over the past five financial years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $608,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year has seen $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. New developments consist of 13.0% standalone homes and 87.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the current housing mix (currently 40.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 88 people per dwelling approval, Fremantle displays characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Fremantle is projected to grow by approximately 2,200 residents, suggesting that current development rates should comfortably meet demand and provide good conditions for buyers while 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 impacting 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 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.

Fremantle shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Fremantle has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of the same date, 6,540 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 73.8%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, 13.5% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Fremantle had a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction was under-represented at 6.0% compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. With 1.2 workers for every resident as of the Census, Fremantle functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9% and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Fremantle. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fremantle's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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 median income in Fremantle is $58,739. Average income stands at $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 median income as of September 2025 is approximately $64,390, while average income is around $100,070. Census 2021 data shows individual earnings at the 80th percentile nationally are $1,021 weekly, though household income ranks at the 54th percentile. Distribution data reveals that 28.3% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring metropolitan Perth where 32.0% fall into this bracket. 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

Fremantle's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 40.0% houses and 60.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fremantle was 29.1%, similar to Perth metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 28.1%, while rented ones were at 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fremantle was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Fremantle was $380, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Fremantle's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $380.

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 2.6.

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

Fremantle's educational attainment is notably high, with 48.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 27.9% in Western Australia (WA) and 28.6% in the Small Area 4 (SA4) region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (15.4%). Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

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 85 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, 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. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode at 64%, followed by train at 12% and walking at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 13.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,065 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 87 weekly trips per stop.

Fremantle's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Fremantle. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, showing low prevalence among both young and old age cohorts. Common health conditions had a low impact on residents.

Approximately 63% of Fremantle's total population (6,934 people) had private health cover, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.9 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 68.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Fremantle has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,197 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 of the 2016 Census, 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, comprising 33.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.5% of Fremantle's population versus 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, English (30.6%), Australian (19.2%), and Irish (10.9%) were the top three groups represented in Fremantle's population. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 1.3% compared to 0.7% regionally, French at 1.2% versus 0.5%, and Croatian at 1.3% against 0.8%.

Fremantle's median age exceeds the national pattern

Fremantle's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Comparing with Greater Perth, Fremantle has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (11.7%) and a lower percentage of those aged 5-14 (9.2%). Post the 2021 Census, the age group 5-14 increased from 6.9% to 9.2%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 5.4% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 14.0% to 12.3%, and the 25-34 group fell from 18.3% to 16.9%. By 2041, Fremantle's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 67%, adding 506 residents to reach 1,261. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 52% of the population growth, while the 35-44 age range is projected to decrease by 56%.