South Fremantle (WA)

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In the suburb of South Fremantle, the population is projected to be approximately 3,744 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS figures and address validations. This represents a 10.2% rise from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,398 residents. This projection is based on the resident population of 3,738 estimated after reviewing the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 3 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With a density of 2,447 persons per square kilometer, the locality ranks in the upper national quartile. The suburb of South Fremantle's 10.2% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate of 9.3%, leading regional growth. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 75.0% of the gains, although natural increase and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

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The local workforce is highly qualified with strong representation in essential services, and the unemployment rate stands at 4.7%. As of March 2026, there are 2,094 employed residents. The local unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, while the labor force participation rate is lower at 65.9% compared to the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census data indicates that 15.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.

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Based on the ATO financial year 2023 postcode statistics released by Districts, taxpayer incomes in South Fremantle feature a median of $63,782 and an average of $88,810. This is exceptionally high on a national scale, comparing to a median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates indicate incomes around $70,753 for the median and $98,517 for the average. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes sat in the 67th percentile nationally. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 24.0% of residents (898 people), compared to 32.0% in Greater Perth. High-income earners are prominent, with of the population earning more than weekly. After housing costs, residents retain of their income for other expenses, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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The housing stock in South Fremantle at the time of the latest Census consisted of 57.7% detached houses and 42.4% other dwelling types such as townhouses, apartments, and semi-detached properties, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings in Greater Perth. Outright home ownership stood at 46.0%, which is higher than the metropolitan average, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,249 and the median weekly rent was $450, compared to $1,907 and $350 in the metropolitan area. Nationally, mortgage payments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national median of $375.

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Families make up 61.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 21.6%, couples without children at 31.3%, and single parents at 7.4%. Non-family households represent 38.8% of the total, with single-person households at 33.1% and group households at 5.8%. The median household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment is higher than regional averages, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 28.6% across the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are held by 31.5% of residents aged 15+, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.2%. Vocational training is held by 24.6% of residents aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 13.7%.

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Public transport services include 18 active bus stops within the locality, which are served by 12 different routes and accommodate 2,485 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is convenient, with residents living an average of 142 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area; private vehicles are the most common transport mode at 67%, followed by train travel at 13% and walking at 7%. The average number of motor vehicles is 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 15.2% of residents worked from home, reflecting conditions during the pandemic.

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Health metrics show positive outcomes in the area, characterized by low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic diseases across all age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high at 62% of the population, representing 2,338 people, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity is higher than in most comparable areas, with 10.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 35.9% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 32.1% of the population. Judaism is represented by 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of 48 years is older than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 55 - 64 make up 16.3% of the population, which is higher than the national share of 11.2%, while children aged 5 - 14 represent a smaller portion of the community at 8.2% compared to Greater Perth. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 8.4% to 9.5%, while the 0 to 4 group has decreased from 4.7% to 3.0%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort will see the largest growth, rising by to add residents and reach . Seniors aged and over will account for of the overall population growth. Conversely, population declines are expected in the to and to age cohorts.

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South Fremantle currently has an estimated 112 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 108 children aged 0-2 and 73 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 30% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 114 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 320. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.