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 ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, South Lake's estimated population is around 6,174. This reflects an increase of 343 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,831. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,172 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional seven validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,917 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, 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. Projecting forward, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with South Lake expected to increase by 963 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows South Lake recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval per year. Around 70 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 77 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each home built over these years accommodates about six new residents annually.

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. In FY-26, there have been approximately $1.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Perth. South Lake has significantly less development activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's development level is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

New building activity in South Lake consists of approximately 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium to high-density housing. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 93.0% houses. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles with increasing demand for diverse, affordable housing options. South Lake has around 700 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 1,178 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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 identified seven projects likely affecting the area, notable ones being 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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Employment performance in South Lake has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

South Lake has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of September 2025, 3,650 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while mining has lower representation at 5.2% versus the regional average of 7.0%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In Greater Perth, employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors over five and ten-year periods. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of South Lake's income level is above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in South Lake is $57,061 and the average income stands at $69,370. In Greater Perth, these figures are $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Lake would be approximately $62,550 (median) and $76,043 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in 2021, 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 (2,321 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is similar to the broader area where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings. Perth metro had 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Lake was 25.1%, similar to Perth metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings were 48.2% and rented ones were 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Perth metro's $1,950. Median weekly rent in South Lake was $350, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, South Lake's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents were also lower 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 matches 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 regional benchmarks showing that 21.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 9.3% and certificates for 26.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in South Lake shows that there are 35 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 709.

Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing within 213 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 101 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 20 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 being somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~3,379 people) of South Lake's total population has private health cover, compared to 57.9% in Greater Perth.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in South Lake, affecting 9.1 and 8.8% of residents respectively. However, 68.1% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.9% in Greater Perth. As of 2021, 15.1% (932 people) of South Lake's population is aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors 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 cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 22.9% speaking languages other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in South Lake, comprising 43.0% of its population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented, making up 2.3% compared to Greater Perth's 1.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 25.6%, Australian at 23.3%, and Other at 13.1%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Serbian (0.7% vs regional 0.7%), Croatian (1.0% vs 2.3%), and South African (0.8% vs 1.1%) were notably overrepresented in South Lake.

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 population of residents aged 65-74 has grown from 8.1% to 9.2%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 3.2% to 4.3%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 13.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests South Lake's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 100%, adding 264 residents to reach 530. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive half of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, with an increase of only 17 residents.