South Fremantle

Population growth drivers in South Fremantle are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

In the suburb of South Fremantle, the population is projected to be approximately 3,744 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS figures and address validations. This represents a 10.2% rise from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,398 residents. This projection is based on the resident population of 3,738 estimated after reviewing the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 3 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With a density of 2,447 persons per square kilometer, the locality ranks in the upper national quartile. The suburb of South Fremantle's 10.2% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate of 9.3%, leading regional growth. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 75.0% of the gains, although natural increase and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline are utilized for SA2 zones. For locations missing these metrics, or to project figures beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data are applied. Future demographic trends indicate expansion above the national median, with the suburb of South Fremantle anticipated to add 577 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 15.2% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in South Fremantle according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Analysis of ABS building approvals shows South Fremantle averages approximately 2 new dwelling approvals annually, with 14 residential approvals recorded over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25 and 12 recorded so far in FY-26. With an average of 21.3 new residents per constructed home over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, supply lags behind demand, which increases buyer competition and puts upward pressure on prices. The average value of new constructions stands at $557,000, indicating developers are targeting high-end, premium projects.

In comparison to Greater Perth, residential construction in South Fremantle is limited, sitting 86.0% below the regional per capita average. While building rates have accelerated recently, this low volume generally supports prices and demand for existing houses. The building rate is also lower than the national average, pointing to potential development constraints and a mature market. The breakdown of new building approvals shows 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% townhouses or apartments. This preference for medium and high-density options offers affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers, representing a shift from the current housing mix of 58.0% houses. This trend suggests a lack of vacant land and reflects changing housing preferences. With roughly 571 people for each dwelling approved, the local market is highly mature.

Demographic projections indicate the area will add 571 residents by 2041. Given current rates of construction, housing supply may struggle to accommodate this growth, which could increase competition among buyers and support price growth.

South Fremantle has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning updates, and new developments are key factors in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 8 projects that are expected to impact the locality, with primary projects including Stockland Nara, Cockburn Coast Redevelopment, Knutsford East Village, and Monument East.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in South Fremantle remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

The local workforce is highly qualified with strong representation in essential services, and the unemployment rate stands at 4.7%. As of March 2026, there are 2,094 employed residents. The local unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, while the labor force participation rate is lower at 65.9% compared to the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census data indicates that 15.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.

The top industries for local workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The suburb has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment shares 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade is underrepresented, accounting for 5.6% of employment compared to 9.3% across the wider region. While local jobs are available, census ratios of working residents to local positions indicate that a significant portion of the population travels outside the area for employment.

Data from SALM and the ABS indicates that in the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 1.4% and total employment fell by 1.4%, which kept the unemployment rate stable. During the same period, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0% and labor force growth of 2.5%, alongside a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide context for future local demand. Over five-year and ten-year periods, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% and 13.7% respectively, though rates vary by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local workforce mix suggests employment for the area could grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Based on the ATO financial year 2023 postcode statistics released by AreaSearch, taxpayer incomes in South Fremantle feature a median of $63,782 and an average of $88,810. This is exceptionally high on a national scale, comparing to a median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates indicate incomes around $70,753 for the median and $98,517 for the average. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes sat in the 67th percentile nationally. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 24.0% of residents (898 people), compared to 32.0% in Greater Perth. High-income earners are prominent, with 32.9% of the population earning more than $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.4% of their income for other expenses, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 8th decile for income.

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

The housing stock in South Fremantle at the time of the latest Census consisted of 57.7% detached houses and 42.4% other dwelling types such as townhouses, apartments, and semi-detached properties, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings in Greater Perth. Outright home ownership stood at 46.0%, which is higher than the metropolitan average, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,249 and the median weekly rent was $450, compared to $1,907 and $350 in the metropolitan area. Nationally, mortgage payments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 61.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 21.6%, couples without children at 31.3%, and single parents at 7.4%. Non-family households represent 38.8% of the total, with single-person households at 33.1% and group households at 5.8%. The median household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

South Fremantle demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment is higher than regional averages, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 28.6% across the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are held by 31.5% of residents aged 15+, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.2%. Vocational training is held by 24.6% of residents aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 13.7%.

Students represent 23.3% of the total population, with 7.1% enrolled in higher education, 5.9% in primary school, and 5.9% in high school.

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

Public transport services include 18 active bus stops within the locality, which are served by 12 different routes and accommodate 2,485 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is convenient, with residents living an average of 142 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area; private vehicles are the most common transport mode at 67%, followed by train travel at 13% and walking at 7%. The average number of motor vehicles is 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 15.2% of residents worked from home, reflecting conditions during the pandemic.

Transit services average 355 trips per day across all local routes, which represents approximately 138 weekly trips for each individual stop.

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

Health metrics show positive outcomes in the area, characterized by low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic diseases across all age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high at 62% of the population, representing 2,338 people, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most common medical issues, affecting 9.2% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Overall, 68.1% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The population under 65 exhibits favorable health statistics. Residents aged 65 and older make up 23.8% of the population (891 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%. Health outcomes for these older residents are strong and align with national benchmarks.

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

Cultural diversity is higher than in most comparable areas, with 10.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 35.9% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 32.1% of the population. Judaism is represented by 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

The primary ancestries reported are English at 32.8%, Australian at 18.2%, and Irish at 10.5%. There are higher local concentrations of Welsh ancestry at 1.1% compared to 0.7% regionally, French ancestry at 1.1% compared to 0.5% regionally, and Croatian ancestry at 1.5% compared to 0.8% regionally.

South Fremantle hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 48 years is older than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 55 - 64 make up 16.3% of the population, which is higher than the national share of 11.2%, while children aged 5 - 14 represent a smaller portion of the community at 8.2% compared to Greater Perth. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 8.4% to 9.5%, while the 0 to 4 group has decreased from 4.7% to 3.0%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort will see the largest growth, rising by 55% to add 158 residents and reach 447. Seniors aged 65 and over will account for 55% of the overall population growth. Conversely, population declines are expected in the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.