South Lake

South Lake is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census South Lake's population is estimated at around 6,254 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 423 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,831 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,243, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,942 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Lake's 7.3% growth since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 962 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within South Lake when compared nationally

South Lake recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 103 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and 90 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, 4.1 new residents were associated with each home built during these years.

This demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $347,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $32.5 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum in South Lake. However, compared to Greater Perth, South Lake has significantly less development activity, at 65.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction activity has intensified, though it remains below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in South Lake shows 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the current housing mix of 93.0% houses.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 242 people per dwelling approval, South Lake shows a developing market. Looking ahead, South Lake is expected to grow by 1,097 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Glen Iris Local Shopping Centre at Glen Iris Estate, Yangebup Primary School Expansion and Modernisation, Cockburn Central East Structure Plan & Armadale Road and North Lake Road Bridge Interchange Project, and Cockburn Central West. 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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South Lake has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

South Lake has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 3,712 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.9%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but mining shows lower representation at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Over the past year, employment increased by 3.9%, while the labour force grew by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points.

In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a minimal rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Lake's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

South Lake's median income among taxpayers was $57,061 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $69,370 during the same period. This compares to Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. By September 2025, estimates suggest South Lake's median income will be approximately $65,164 and average income $79,221, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in South Lake rank modestly, between the 48th and 49th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, 37.6% of locals (2,351 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, slightly higher than the broader area where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in South Lake, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile.

South Lake is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Lake's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differed from Perth metro's composition of 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Lake was at 25.1%, similar to Perth metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings comprising 48.2% and rented dwellings making up 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in South Lake was $1,600, lower than the Perth metro average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure for South Lake was recorded at $350, compared to $370 in Perth metro. Nationally, South Lake's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

South Lake features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households making up 5.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

Educational outcomes in South Lake fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

South Lake Trail has 21.1% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The most common degree is bachelor's at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 26.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.1% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.6%), secondary (6.9%), and tertiary (4.8%).

Lakeland Senior High School and South Lake Primary School serve a total of 835 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) with balanced educational opportunities. These two schools represent the conventional split between primary and secondary institutions in the area.

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

Transport analysis shows 35 active stops operating in South Lake, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by four routes, collectively enabling 698 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Lake is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

South Lake faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but notably higher among older adults.

As of approximately March-April 2021 (~3,423 people), the rate of private health cover in the area was found to be very high at around 55%. The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.1% and 8.8% of residents respectively, as per data from June-July 2021. Conversely, 68.1% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to the Greater Perth average of 72.9%. As of March-April 2021, 15.1% of South Lake's population was aged 65 and over (944 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area require more attention than those of the broader population.

South Lake 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 Lake's population showed higher linguistic diversity than most local markets, with 22.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in South Lake, accounting for 43.0% of its population. Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 2.3% versus 1.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (25.6%), Australian (23.3%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, Serbian (0.7%) and Croatian (1.0%) populations were higher than regional averages, while South African was slightly lower at 0.8% compared to Greater Perth's 1.1%.

South Lake's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

South Lake's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, South Lake has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (11.9%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 65-74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests South Lake's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 97%, adding 262 residents to reach 531. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. The 35-44 age group shows modest growth of 1%, with an increase of only 7 residents.