Fremantle

Fremantle lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Fremantle's population is around 19,791 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,071 people (18.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,720 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,584 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 509 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 670 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Fremantle's 18.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 50.4% 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, 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). Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 4,502 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 21.7% in total 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

Fremantle has recorded around 160 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 803 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $489,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $65.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Perth, Fremantle shows 66.0% higher new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. New building activity shows 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 46.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 433 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Fremantle will gain 4,295 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Fremantle has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 59 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Swan River Crossings Project, Elder Place Fremantle (Elders Wool Stores Redevelopment), Monument East, and Serai North Fremantle, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Fremantle features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,374 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Perth's 71.9%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, retail trade employs just 6.1% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. With 1.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and the labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.3%, the labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Fremantle. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fremantle's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Fremantle SA2's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Fremantle SA2's median income among taxpayers is $61,122 and the average income stands at $94,600, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,002 (median) and $103,701 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 83rd percentile nationally ($1,059 weekly). The earnings profile shows 27.2% of the population (5,383 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners (32.3% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Fremantle. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 63rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Fremantle, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 45.6% houses and 54.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Fremantle was higher than that of Perth metro, at 31.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.4%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $385, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Fremantle's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 57.0% of all households, comprising 19.9% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.0%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 6.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people 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

Educational attainment in Fremantle significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 28.6% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 30.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 6.5% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 127 active transport stops operating within Fremantle, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 38 individual routes, collectively providing 7,798 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 268 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 68%, with 12% by train and 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 13.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,114 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 61 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

The level of general health in Fremantle is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Fremantle demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (13,596 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.1% and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 69.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,173 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Fremantle is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 12.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.5% born overseas. The main religion in Fremantle is Christianity, which makes up 36.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Fremantle are English, comprising 30.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Fremantle (vs 0.7% regionally), French at 1.2% (vs 0.5%) and Croatian at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

Fremantle's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 43-year median age in Fremantle is considerably higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (11.7%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (10.0%) than in Greater Perth. Since 2021, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 7.8% to 10.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.1% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 16.0% to 14.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Fremantle's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 990 people (69%) from 1,432 to 2,423. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 80 people.