Fremantle
Statistical Area - sa2

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 19,886 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,166 people (18.9%) 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 507 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 673 persons per square kilometer. Fremantle's growth rate exceeded the national average (8.6%) during this period, with overseas migration contributing approximately 50.4% of overall population gains. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on current demographic trends, Fremantle is projected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, the area's population is expected to expand by 4,502 persons, representing an increase of 21.1% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 160 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. There have been a total of 803 approvals across the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, there have been 42 approvals so far.

On average, over these five years, there are approximately 3.7 new residents for every home built. This supply lagging demand generally leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $608,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $65.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Fremantle shows 66.0% higher new home approvals per person, creating greater choice for buyers. New building activity consists of approximately 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a focus on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 46.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of people in the area per dwelling approval is 433, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Fremantle will gain approximately 4,200 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Fremantle has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 53 such projects in total that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Swan River Crossings Project, Muse at Artisan Place, Monument East, and Serai North Fremantle. The following list details these projects, which are likely most relevant.

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

Fremantle has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Fremantle has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%. In June 2025, 11,612 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Retail trade employed only 6.1% of local workers compared to Greater Perth's 9.3%. As at the Census, there were 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating Fremantle functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.9% while labour force grew by 5.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points compared to Greater Perth's increase of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed WA employment contracted by 0.82% with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Fremantle indicate local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

Fremantle's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Fremantle's median income among taxpayers is $60,926 and the average income stands at $94,686, compared to Greater Perth's figures of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $68,000 (median) and $105,679 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022. Census data reveals individual earnings stand at the 84th percentile nationally ($1,059 weekly). In Fremantle, 27.2% of the population (5,408 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners (32.3%) indicate strong economic capacity throughout Fremantle. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, however strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Fremantle displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Fremantle, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 45.6% houses and 54.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Perth metropolitan area's structure of 61.2% houses and 38.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fremantle stood at 31.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.4%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fremantle was $2,167, aligning with Perth metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $385, compared to Perth metro's $379. Nationally, Fremantle's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 account for 57.0% of all households, including 19.9% that are couples with children, 28.2% consisting of couples without children, and 8.2% composed of single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.0%, with lone person households making up 36.9% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.3.

Fremantle shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Fremantle is notably high, with 48.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 27.9% in Western Australia and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 10.9% and certificates make up 14.9%.

Educational participation is 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. There are 14 schools serving 3,943 students in Fremantle. The ICSEA score for the area is 1116, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. Educational provision is balanced with 8 primary and 6 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Fremantle's public transport system has 121 active stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 37 unique routes, facilitating 7,986 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally located 268 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,140 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Fremantle's health data shows positive outcomes for its residents, with standard levels of common health conditions seen across all age groups. The area has a high rate of private health cover at approximately 69% (13,780 people), compared to Greater Perth's 67.0%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.1% and 7.2% of residents respectively. Around 69.1% of Fremantle residents report being free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Perth's 69.6%. As of 2021, 20.4% (4,048 people) of Fremantle's population is aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Fremantle's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 12.9% speaking languages other than English at home and 31.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Fremantle, comprising 36.2%. Judaism had an overrepresentation of 0.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (19.9%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, French was overrepresented at 1.2% in Fremantle versus the regional average of 1.0%. Welsh also showed an overrepresentation of 1.1%, compared to 1.0%, as did Croatian with 1.2% against a regional figure of 1.4%.

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

The median age in Fremantle is 43 years, higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 make up 13.6% of the population, while those aged 5-14 constitute only 9.7%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of those aged 5-14 has grown from 7.8% to 9.7%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 5.9% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.8% to 12.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Fremantle's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 76%, from 1,376 to 2,423 people. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 57% of total population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.