South Lake (WA)

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According to the analysis of demographic records from the ABS for the wider region and recently verified addresses by Districts since the Census, the suburb of South Lake has a population of approximately 6,427 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 596 residents (10.2%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 5,831 residents. The adjustment is calculated from a base resident count of 6,232, which was calculated by Districts using the ABS release of ERP statistics from June 2025 alongside an extra 8 newly confirmed addresses since the Census. This population level means the suburb has a density of 1,996 persons per square kilometer, placing it above the typical density ratio calculated across Australia by Districts. The suburb of South Lake's growth rate of 10.2% since the 2021 census was higher than the nation's figure of 9.3%, rendering it a local growth leader. Overseas arrivals were the primary driver of population gains, representing roughly 64.0% of total demographic growth in recent times.

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The suburb of South Lake possesses a qualified workforce with a strong presence in industrial and production sectors, showing an unemployment rate of 6.0% based on statistical data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, there were 3,393 employed residents, while the local jobless rate sat 1.8% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, and the proportion of the population participating in the workforce matched the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records indicate that a modest 5.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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According to tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year aggregated at the postcode level, taxpayers in the suburb of South Lake recorded a median income of $57,061 and an average income of $69,370. These statistics are slightly higher than national averages, though they compare to $60,748 and $80,248 across the Greater Perth region. Factoring in a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $63,298 and an average of $76,952 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of South Lake are modest, sitting between the 48th and 49th percentiles. Looking at how earnings are distributed, the largest cohort consists of 37.6% of residents (2,416 people) earning within the - range, mirroring the metropolitan trend where of the population falls into this category. Elevated housing costs account for of household income, but solid overall earnings keep net disposable income at the th percentile.

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The composition of residential properties in the suburb of South Lake at the time of the last Census consisted of 92.8% standalone houses and 7.2% other housing types like duplexes and apartments, whereas the Perth metropolitan area averaged 77.8% standalone houses and 22.1% other property types. Home ownership in the suburb of South Lake was lower than the Perth metropolitan average at 25.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (48.2%) or tenants (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,600 was lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, matching the metropolitan figure of $350. Compared nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of South Lake are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent is below the national average of $375.

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Family households represent the vast majority of local residences at 72.2%, consisting of couples with children at 31.6%, couples without children at 24.8%, and single parents at 13.8%. The remaining 27.8% are non-family households, which are made up of single-person households at 22.7% and group homes at 5.2%. The median household size of 2.6 residents is identical to the average across Greater Perth.

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Academic credentials in the suburb of South Lake are lower than metropolitan averages, with 21.1% of residents aged 15 and older holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights opportunities for expanding educational options and professional training. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 36.1% of residents aged 15 and older holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificate courses (26.8%).

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An analysis of public transport options reveals 35 operational bus stops within the suburb of South Lake. These facilities are connected to 4 different routes, which support a total of 709 weekly passenger journeys. Transport options are rated as good, with residents living an average of 213 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential focus of the suburb, most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel for 84% of commuters, followed by 8% using the train. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A relatively low 5.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect conditions during the pandemic.

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The suburb of South Lake faces notable health issues, based on an analysis by Districts looking at mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses among both young and old cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively high at roughly 55% of the population, or approximately 3,518 people. This compare with a coverage rate of 59.0% across the Greater Perth region.

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The suburb of South Lake displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most property markets, with 22.9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 43.0% of residents in the suburb of South Lake. The most prominent religious overrepresentation in the area is Islam, which accounts for 2.3% of the community, compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

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The median age in the suburb of South Lake is 36 years, which is close to the Greater Perth median of 37 years and slightly below the national median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Perth, the suburb of South Lake has a higher proportion of young children aged 0 to 4 (6.6%) but fewer seniors aged 75 to 84 (4.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 3.2% to 4.5%, and the 65 to 74 age bracket expanded from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the cohort aged 45 to 54 declined from 13.8% to 12.3%, while the to group decreased from to . Projections suggest that the age structure in the suburb of South Lake will shift considerably by . The group aged to is expected to grow the fastest, increasing by and adding residents to reach a total of . Older residents aged and over will account for of the overall population growth, highlighting local aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to experience population decreases.

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South Lake currently has an estimated 424 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 224 children aged 0-2 and 149 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 422 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 539. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.2 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.