South Fremantle

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

As of Nov 2025, South Fremantle's population is estimated at approximately 3,751 people. This figure represents a growth of 353 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,398. AreaSearch validated this estimate based on the resident population of 3,743 from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and one additional new address confirmed since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,451 persons per square kilometer, placing South Fremantle in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch nationally. South Fremantle's growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, indicating a higher than average growth trend for the suburb. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and interstate migration also positively influencing population increases.

AreaSearch's projections for South Fremantle are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, which are based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, South Fremantle is projected to experience above median population growth across statistical areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 593 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.5% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees South Fremantle recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

South Fremantle recorded approximately 3 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 19 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with 1 so far in FY26.

On average, 17.9 new residents per year were associated with each home built during these years. This supply lagged demand significantly, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $557,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. Compared to Greater Perth, South Fremantle had 81.0% less development activity per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, development activity was also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity showed an equal split between detached houses (50.0%) and townhouses or apartments (50.0%), indicating a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The area had approximately 410 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established nature. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Fremantle is forecasted to gain 581 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. Seven projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this region. Notable ones are Stockland Nara, Knutsford East Village, Monument East, and OneOneFive Hamilton Hill. 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 employment landscape in South Fremantle shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

South Fremantle has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%.

As of June 2025, 2,211 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 62.1% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter showing strong specialization at 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, retail trade had a lower representation of 5.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and July 2025, employment increased by 4.9% while labour force grew by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Fremantle's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022. South Fremantle's median income among taxpayers was $63,782 with an average of $88,810. Nationally, these figures are high, compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $72,839 (median) and $101,421 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2%. The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in South Fremantle cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 24.0% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (900 people), similar to regional patterns where 32.0% occupy this range. Notably, 32.9% exceed $3,000 weekly earnings, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. South Fremantle's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

South Fremantle's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.7% houses and 42.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 61.2% houses and 38.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Fremantle stood at 46.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,249, higher than Perth metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent in South Fremantle was $450, compared to Perth metro's $379. Nationally, South Fremantle's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,249 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 61.2% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.3.

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

South Fremantle's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. 50.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to WA's 27.9% and the SA4 region's 28.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational pathways account for 24.6%, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 13.7%.

Currently, 23.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education: 7.1% in tertiary, 5.9% in primary, and 5.9% in secondary education. Educational facilities may be outside immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating access to schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 17 active transport stops operating within South Fremantle, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 12 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,476 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 142 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 353 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 145 weekly trips per individual stop.

South 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

Health data for South Fremantle indicates positive outcomes with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 62% (2,342 people), compared to 67.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 9.2 and 8.6% of residents respectively.

68.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.6% across Greater Perth. The area has 24.1% (903 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 20.7% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

South Fremantle was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Fremantle has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.9% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 35.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Fremantle, making up 32.1% of the population. Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 0.4% compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.8%), Australian (18.2%), and Irish (10.5%). There are notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Welsh at 1.1% vs 1.0% regionally, French at 1.1% vs 1.0%, and Croatian at 1.5% vs 1.4%.

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

South Fremantle's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 16.8% of the population, while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller at 8.0%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.4% of the population, while the 0-4 cohort has declined from 4.7% to 3.3%. Population forecasts for South Fremantle in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 58%, adding 164 residents to reach 450. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups.