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

According to findings compiled by AreaSearch, the population of Fremantle is estimated at 20,447 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 3,727 people (22.3%) from the 16,720 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This growth calculation incorporates the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 20,429 and 510 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The local population density stands at 692 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical figures across locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The area's 22.3% rate of growth since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate (9.3%) and the state average, positioning it as a leading growth zone. Overseas migration was the primary driver, accounting for 61.8% of these population increases, though natural growth and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

Projections published by the ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024 using 2022 as a base year are applied to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data, and to estimate trends beyond 2032, growth rates per age group from the 2023 Greater Capital Region projections (utilizing 2022 data) are implemented. Looking ahead, population growth is expected to exceed the median for Australian statistical areas, with projections indicating an expansion of 4,028 persons to 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP figures, translating to an overall growth rate of 19.6% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Fremantle was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Fremantle averages approximately 160 residential development approvals each year, with 803 homes approved during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 64 approvals recorded during FY-26. Because population growth has averaged 4.3 new residents for each completed dwelling over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, residential supply is falling short of demand, which typically elevates buyer rivalry and drives up prices, with new residences registering an average value of $489,000, indicating that developers are prioritizing high-end, upscale projects. Furthermore, local commercial momentum is highlighted by $65.2 million in commercial development approvals logged during the current financial year.

Fremantle registers 64.0% more new home approvals per capita than Greater Perth, offering a wider selection for buyers. The composition of new building approvals consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density developments offers more accessible price points and appeals to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This trend departs from the current housing stock (which stands at 46.0% houses), indicating a decline in available vacant land and responding to changing lifestyles and affordability constraints. A quiet development landscape is highlighted by an average of 451 people in the area for every single dwelling approval.

According to quarterly projections from AreaSearch, Fremantle is expected to add 4,010 residents by 2041. The current volume of building activity appears to match these future demands, which should preserve market balance and prevent sharp price escalation.

Fremantle has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major works are critical drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 59 projects expected to influence the local area. Principal works include the Swan River Crossings Project, the Elders Wool Stores Redevelopment at Elder Place Fremantle, Monument East, and Serai North Fremantle, with the primary projects outlined below.

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

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

Fremantle has a highly skilled workforce with a strong concentration of professionals, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.9%. As of March 2026, there are 11,326 employed residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.7% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor force participation matching the regional benchmark of 70.2%. Census records show that a moderate 13.9% of the local workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Local jobs are heavily concentrated in the sectors of health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The professional & technical sector is highly concentrated in this locality, with a employment share that is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade accounts for only 6.1% of employment, which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 9.3%. The Census recorded 1.1 jobs for every local resident, indicating that the area operates as an employment center that draws commuting workers from surrounding neighborhoods.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS figures indicates that during the year leading to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 0.9% and total employment fell by 0.5%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. This trend diverged from Greater Perth, where employment expanded by 2.0%, the labor force grew by 2.5%, and the unemployment rate increased by 0.4 percentage points. Projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future local employment trends. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to local workforce data to project future patterns. Although national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rate of growth varies widely by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests Fremantle employment will rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this simple weighted projection is for demonstration purposes and excludes localized population models.

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

Based on ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, taxpayer incomes in the Fremantle SA2 rank among the highest nationally. Taxpayers in the Fremantle SA2 recorded a median income of $61,122 and an average income of $94,600, compared to the Greater Perth averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at roughly $67,803 for the median and $104,940 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, individual wages are in the 83rd percentile nationally, with a weekly median of $1,059. The income distribution shows 27.2% of taxpayers (5,561 individuals) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, which is close to the wider region where 32.0% fall into this bracket. A significant cohort of high earners (32.3% above $3,000/week) demonstrates strong purchasing power in the area. Although high housing costs consume 15.3% of income, strong earnings keep disposable income in the 63rd percentile, and the local SEIFA index for income places the area in the 8th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Fremantle consisted of 45.6% houses and 54.4% other dwellings (comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Perth metro area where houses made up 77.8% and other dwellings accounted for 22.1%. Home ownership rates in Fremantle reached 31.5%, exceeding the Perth metro average, with remaining properties either being purchased under a mortgage (30.4%) or occupied by tenants (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,167 was higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $385 compared to the metropolitan average of $350. Nationally, Fremantle's mortgage costs are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents also exceed the national median of $375.

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

Families comprise the majority of households at 57.0%, which is made up of couples with children (19.9%), couples without children (28.2%), and single parents (8.2%). Non-family households account for the remaining 43.0%, with single-person households at 36.9% and group living arrangements at 6.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which 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

Residents in Fremantle possess qualifications well above broader averages, with 48.9% of the population aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 28.6% within the SA4 region. This high concentration of degrees positions the area well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 30.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 25.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.9%).

Participation in study is high throughout the community, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution. This includes 9.1% of the population in university or higher education, 6.5% in primary school, and 6.1% attending secondary school.

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

Analysis of local transit indicates there are 127 active public transport stops in Fremantle, linking train and bus networks. These stops service 38 distinct routes, providing a total of 7,798 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is good, with residents living an average of 268 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out of the district, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 68%, followed by trains at 12% and walking at 7%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 cars per household, which is below the metropolitan average. At the time of the 2021 Census, 13.9% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-related working arrangements.

Services average 1,114 daily trips across the transit network, representing about 61 weekly journeys per stop. The map shows the 100 transport stops closest to the center of the locality.

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

Health indicators in Fremantle are positive, with AreaSearch analysis of mortality and chronic illness demonstrating low rates of common health issues across both younger and older demographics, and private health insurance membership is high at roughly 69% of the population (14,047 people). This is higher than the Greater Perth level of 59.0% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 10.1% and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 69.1% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Health profiles for working-age residents are generally typical. Residents aged 65 and over represent 20.0% of the population (4,087 people), which exceeds the Greater Perth share of 16.1%. Health outcomes among older residents are strong, outperforming national benchmarks for their demographic.

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 exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most Australian markets, with 12.9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 31.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 36.2% of the local population. The most distinct religious concentration is Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of residents, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

The most common ancestries in Fremantle are English (30.9%), Australian (19.9%), and Irish (10.6%). There are also notable concentrations of other background groups compared to regional averages, including Welsh at 1.1% (compared to 0.7% regionally), French at 1.2% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and Croatian at 1.2% (compared to 0.8% regionally).

Fremantle's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Fremantle is 42 years, which is older than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 11.2% compared to Greater Perth, while the 15 - 24 cohort is lower at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 5 to 14 age group expanded from 7.8% to 10.6% of the population. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 13.8% to 11.5% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%. Long-term forecasts to 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, led by a 67% increase in the 75 to 84 cohort (an increase of 945 people) to reach 2,354 from 1,408. The combined cohorts aged 65+ are expected to generate 54% of overall population growth, reinforcing the aging trend, while the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decrease by 113 people.