South Lake - Cockburn Central

An assessment of population growth drivers in South Lake - Cockburn Central reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

South Lake - Cockburn Central's population was 12,904 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 1,181 people, a 10.1% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 11,723. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,878 in June 2024 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,449 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded the national average (8.9%), making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, 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). Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 2,344 persons to 2041, reflecting an 18.0% total increase over the 17 years.

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

South Lake - Cockburn Central has witnessed approximately 66 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 332 homes. As of FY-26306 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.7 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $285,000.

This financial year has seen $54.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Perth, South Lake - Cockburn Central exhibits around 57% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 79th percentile nationally, with increased development activity noted recently. New building activity comprises 56.0% detached dwellings and 44.0% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across various price points. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 79.0% houses.

With approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, South Lake - Cockburn Central exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 2,318 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with these projections. However, buyers may face heightened competition as the population increases.

South Lake - Cockburn Central has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include Glen Iris Local Shopping Centre (Glen Iris Estate), Stockland Bull Creek Shopping Centre Upgrade, Glen Iris Estate, and Yangebup Primary School Expansion and Modernisation. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in South Lake - Cockburn Central remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

South Lake - Cockburn Central has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 7,536 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, mining is under-represented at 5.8% compared to Greater Perth's 7.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, and labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 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 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Lake - Cockburn Central's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The South Lake - Cockburn Central SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $60,148 and an average of $73,123 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than national averages of $58,380 (median) and $78,020 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $68,689 (median) and $83,506 (average), based on a 14.2% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data shows that incomes in South Lake - Cockburn Central cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 35.4% of the population falls within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, with 4,568 individuals in this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In South Lake - Cockburn Central, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Perth metro's 81.2% houses and 18.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Lake - Cockburn Central stood at 29.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.6% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,680, lower than Perth metro's $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was $360, compared to Perth metro's $370. Nationally, South Lake - Cockburn Central's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 68.4% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in South Lake - Cockburn Central aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

University qualification levels in South Lake - Cockburn Central are at 25.8%, slightly below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 36.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in South Lake - Cockburn Central shows that there are currently 104 operational transport stops. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services, with a total of 19 distinct routes serving the area. The collective weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 3,887.

Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to public transportation, with an average distance of 197 meters to the nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages at 555 trips per day, which translates to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in South Lake - Cockburn Central are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

South Lake - Cockburn Central shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Mental health issues impact 9.0% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.0%. Approximately 56% (~7,226 people) have private health cover, a rate higher than the Greater Perth average. Despite this, 68.8% declare no medical ailments, compared to 72.9% in Greater Perth. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,277 people), higher than the Greater Perth average of 14.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

South Lake - Cockburn Central 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-Cockburn Central, surveyed in June-August 2016, had a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets. It reported that 20.7% of its population spoke languages other than English at home and 35.2% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.4% of the population.

However, Islam showed an overrepresentation with 2.1%, compared to the Greater Perth average of 1.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.9%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (11.6%). Notably, Croatian was overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the regional figure of 2.3%, South African at 0.8% versus 1.1%, and Serbian at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.7%.

South Lake - Cockburn Central's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

South Lake - Cockburn Central has a median age of 37, matching Greater Perth's figure of 37 and remaining comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 15.9%, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.4% of the population, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in South Lake - Cockburn Central's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 97%, reaching 1,378 people from the current 700. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 63% of projected population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.