Cockburn Central (WA)

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According to ABS population releases examined for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Cockburn Central has an estimated population of 2,252 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 731 residents (48.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 1,521 individuals. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 2,154, estimated by Districts using the ABS's June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 286 validated new addresses verified since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 815 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded across Districts assessment zones. The 48.1% growth rate in the suburb of Cockburn Central since the 2021 census outpaced the national figure of 9.3%, as well as state benchmarks, positioning it as a regional growth leader. This population rise was chiefly powered by overseas arrivals, who accounted for approximately 64.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Cockburn Central features a highly trained labor force with strong representation in key service sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.2% over the previous year, according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 1,501 employed residents, while the local unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%, and labor force participation is exceptionally high at 82.0% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census data reveals that a minimal 5.5% of locals worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions must be factored in.

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According to the latest financial year 2023 ATO statistics aggregated by Districts, Cockburn Central is situated among Australia's highest earning areas. Taxpayers in Cockburn Central have a median income of $73,211 and an average income of $89,004, compared to Greater Perth values of $60,748 and $80,248. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current figures are estimated at approximately $81,213 for the median and $98,732 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals individual earnings are high, ranking in the 80th percentile nationwide with a weekly figure of $1,020, although household earnings sit lower in the 42nd percentile. The income breakdown shows 40.0% of residents (900 individuals) earn in the - brackets, which is comparable to the recorded for this cohort across the metropolitan area. Affordability pressures are high, leaving just of income after housing costs, placing it in the th percentile, while the SEIFA income metric ranks the area in the th decile.

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Residential composition in Cockburn Central during the latest Census consisted of 26.6% standalone houses and 73.4% other dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metro area. Home ownership in Cockburn Central was low compared to the Perth metro area, standing at 9.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (26.2%) or tenants (64.5%). The median monthly home loan repayment of $1,517 was considerably lower than the Perth metro average of $1,907, while the median weekly rental rate was $355 compared to the Perth metro average of $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Cockburn Central are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are below the national average of $375.

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Families make up 49.3% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 13.2%, couples without children at 28.2%, and single parents at 5.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 50.7%, with single-person households representing 44.2% and group living situations at 6.0%. The median household size of 1.9 residents is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Tertiary qualification levels in Cockburn Central, at 31.8% of residents aged 15 and older, exceed the broader SA3 average of 27.4%, pointing to a competitive academic base. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational training is also common, with 36.6% of residents aged 15 and older holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 24.8%.

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Public transit data shows 38 active stops operating in Cockburn Central, combining train and bus services. These stops support 21 different routes, which facilitate 4,809 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 190 meters from their closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out, with private cars being the main transport mode at 68%, followed by trains at 21% and buses at 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 0.8 cars per household, which is lower than the regional average. A small proportion of residents work from home, sitting at 5.5% in the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Cockburn Central features strong health profiles based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, with both younger and older cohorts displaying a low rate of common conditions, and private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 63% of the population (1,408 people). This compares to 59.0% for Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cockburn Central displays high levels of multiculturalism, with 27.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 45.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 37.5% of the population. Hinduism has the most pronounced regional overrepresentation, accounting for 4.0% of local residents compared to 2.5% across Greater Perth.

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The median age in Cockburn Central is 32 years, which is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Cockburn Central has a larger proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (28.9%) but a smaller share of children aged 5 - 14 (6.2%). The 25 - 34 demographic concentration sits well above the national benchmark of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 65 to 74 age bracket grew from 5.5% to 7.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 2.4% to 3.7%. Meanwhile, the to group shrank from to , and the to group decreased from to . Projections suggest Cockburn Central's age structure will change by . The to bracket is projected to experience the fastest growth at , adding residents to reach a total of . Seniors aged and older are expected to make up of the total growth, while population declines are projected for children aged to and to .

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Cockburn Central currently has an estimated 103 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 79 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 51% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 101 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 188. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.