Fremantle - South

Population growth drivers in Fremantle - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Fremantle - South's population is around 17,035 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,663 people (10.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,372 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,920 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,333 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fremantle - South's 10.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 74.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,599 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Fremantle - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Fremantle - South has recorded around 52 residential properties granted approval per year, with 261 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. At an average of 5.8 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $313,000. Additionally, $14.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Perth, Fremantle - South has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 51st percentile of areas assessed nationally. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. The location has approximately 380 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections show Fremantle - South adding 2,484 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Fremantle - South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Stockland Nara, Cockburn Coast Redevelopment, OneOneFive Hamilton Hill, and Monument East, 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 - South has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Fremantle - South has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,546 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.9% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.3% 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, education & training, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade shows lower representation at 7.0% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.9% alongside the labour force increasing by 0.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.3%, the labour force expanded 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 - South. 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 - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Fremantle - South SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Fremantle - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $60,054 and the average income stands at $82,176, 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 $65,831 (median) and $90,081 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Fremantle - South cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 27.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,667 residents), mirroring regional levels where 32.0% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Fremantle - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Fremantle - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.9% houses and 23.1% 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 - South was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 36.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.2%) or rented (26.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Perth metro average at $2,071, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Fremantle - South's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.8% of all households, comprising 27.2% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 4.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Fremantle - South exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Fremantle - South significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 40.3% 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 25.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (18.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 105 active transport stops operating within Fremantle - South, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 3,380 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 75%, with 10% by train and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 11.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 482 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Fremantle - South's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Fremantle - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (10,203 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.9% and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 69.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,604 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Fremantle - South is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 14.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.6% born overseas. The main religion in Fremantle - South is Christianity, which makes up 38.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% 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 - South are English, comprising 29.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Fremantle - South (vs 0.8% regionally), French at 1.0% (vs 0.5%) and Welsh at 0.9% (vs 0.7%).

Fremantle - South's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Fremantle - South is significantly above Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 10.8% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 7.2% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 6.2% to 5.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Fremantle - South. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 57% (697 people), reaching 1,929 from 1,231. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.