Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Population
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
According to AreaSearch's assessment, the population of Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is approximately 11,772 as of May 2026. This indicates a decline of 18 people (0.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 11,790 people. This shift is calculated from the ABS estimated resident population of 11,761 as of June 2025 and 16 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. The population density stands at 144 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and prospects for future expansion. The main driver of population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for about 68.8% of all population increases in recent times.
Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year are adopted by AreaSearch for each SA2 district. When these figures are unavailable for an SA2, the NSW State Government SA2 projections published in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used instead. The age bracket growth rates derived from these datasets are projected to all localities for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographics indicate expansion in the lower quartile of Australian statistical territories, with this locality projected to expand by 406 persons by 2041 based on the most recent yearly ERP numbers, which represents a total increase of 3.4% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
An annual average of approximately 24 new dwelling approvals has been observed in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan, totaling 122 home approvals over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 during the current FY-26 period. Given the recent population reductions, the supply of new housing appears to align with demand, granting options to prospective buyers, with these new residences carrying an average expected construction cost of $479,000, showing that building projects are directed at upscale market buyers. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $11.3 million this financial year, indicating steady non-residential development.
When compared to Greater Sydney, building activity per capita in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is roughly three-quarters of the regional level, placing it in the 38th percentile of all examined locations in the country, which limits options for buyers and sustains demand for established properties. This level is also below the national average, indicating a mature market and probable constraints on new construction. Current construction activity consists of 95.0% separate houses and 5.0% semi-detached dwellings or apartments, which preserves the historically low-density nature of the suburb and prioritizes spacious family living. The ratio of 427 people for every single dwelling approval underscores the calm and quiet development landscape.
Long-term forecasts suggest Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan will increase by 395 residents by 2041 according to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. The current pace of residential construction should easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Local planning initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and major works are critical drivers of local outcomes. AreaSearch has tracked 3 projects with potential impacts on the region. The key developments are Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades, Kooroowall-undi (Peat Island) and Foreshore Development Project, Old Mooney Mooney Creek Bridge Maintenance, and Connecting Northern Beaches - Cycling & Walking Paths.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Northern Beaches Coast Walk
A 36km continuous coastal walking trail linking Manly to Palm Beach. The project integrates existing paths with new boardwalks, stairs, and viewing platforms. Recent milestones include the completion of the Robert Dunn Reserve segment and ongoing works on the McKillop Park boardwalk and the Whale Beach to Palm Beach connection to ensure pedestrian safety and environmental protection.
Mona Vale Hospital Reconfiguration
The Mona Vale Hospital Reconfiguration has transformed the campus into a specialized hub for rehabilitation, sub-acute, and community health services. Key components include a new 20-bed building housing a Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) unit and the Northern Beaches' first dedicated palliative care unit. The project also involved refurbishing the former Emergency Department into a 24/7 Urgent Care Centre, constructing a new support services building, and relocating the helipad to ensure seamless integration with the Northern Beaches Hospital.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
Comprehensive NSW state planning reforms designed to increase housing density in well-located areas. The policy mandates mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 storeys) and low-rise multi-dwelling housing (terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies) within 800m of 171 high-frequency transport hubs and town centres. As of May 2026, the policy is fully operational following the phased rollout of dual occupancy provisions in July 2024 and mid-rise apartment provisions in early 2025. Recent updates include refined floor space ratios (FSR) and non-refusal standards to streamline local council assessments.
Sydney Metro Program
Australia's largest public transport program, comprising multiple metro lines across Greater Sydney. The M1 City and Southwest line is operating to Sydenham, while the Sydenham to Bankstown conversion is in final testing with weekend closures scheduled from May to July 2026 as the project moves toward trial running and a second-half 2026 opening. Sydney Metro West is a 24 kilometre underground line between Westmead and Hunter Street targeting a 2032 opening, with confirmed stations at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street. Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport is under construction between St Marys, the new Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield, with the objective of opening when the airport starts passenger services.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the ageing V-set and Oscar fleets across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect NSW consortium (UGL, Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Electric Australia), the trains feature wider 2x2 seating with arm rests, tray tables and cup holders, charging ports, dedicated luggage, pram and bicycle spaces, accessible toilets, dedicated wheelchair spaces, CCTV, digital information screens and Automatic Selective Door Operation. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8 or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024, on the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025, and on the South Coast Line on 14 April 2026. The South Coast Line rollout begins with seven 4 and 6-car sets, scaling to 16 trains by 2027 with 8-car sets later in 2026 and 10-car configurations in 2027. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility (operated by UGL on a 15-year contract) and extensive corridor upgrades including platform extensions, signalling modifications, balise installation and overhead wiring works.
Hills Shire Council Infrastructure Delivery Program 2025-2026
The Hills Shire Council's multi-year infrastructure delivery program, with the 2024-25 plan centred on a $162.8 million capital works spend covering roads, parks, paths and community facilities across the rapidly growing Hills Shire. Major works include the $24.4 million four-laning of Annangrove Road between Withers and Windsor Roads, the $20.2 million Withers Road upgrade, and the $28.5 million Boundary Road transformation including a new bridge over Killarney Chain of Ponds Creek. Additional works include the Livvi's Place expansion at Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, a cycleway along Cattai Creek, and shared pathways along Norwest Boulevard. The 2025-26 Delivery Program 2025-2029 has since been adopted, and a draft 2026-27 Hills Shire Plan proposing a $268 million investment has been released for community feedback. Council continues to advocate for $207 million in NSW Government funding to address a critical infrastructure deficit in the Box Hill growth area.
Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades
Program of upgrades to existing intercity rail corridors linking Newcastle-Central Coast-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney to reduce travel times and improve reliability. Current scope includes timetable and service changes under the Rail Service Improvement Program, targeted network upgrades (signalling, power, station works) and the introduction of the Mariyung intercity fleet on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, alongside Federal planning led by the High Speed Rail Authority for a dedicated Sydney-Newcastle high speed corridor.
Opal Next Generation Ticketing System
NSW is upgrading the Opal ticketing system to an account-based platform (Opal Next Gen). The program adds digital Opal cards to device wallets, expands contactless options, modernises bus equipment, and improves apps and web services for planning, payment and travel information. Procurement and enabling contracts are underway led by Transport for NSW.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis indicates Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan boasts a highly skilled labor pool, with the technology industry standing out for its significant share of jobs, an unemployment rate of merely 3.9%, and an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 6,415 individuals are employed, while the local unemployment rate sits at 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.1%, and workforce participation aligns closely with Greater Sydney's 69.1%. Census data indicates that a substantial 49.9% of residents worked from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account when interpreting these figures.
Local workers are mostly employed in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. A notable concentration exists in education & training, which accounts for a proportion of jobs that is 1.4 times the regional average. By contrast, transport, postal & warehousing represents a small share of local employment at 3.2% compared to 5.3% across the wider region. The comparison between the local working population at the Census and the resident labor force indicates that local job vacancies are relatively scarce within the immediate vicinity.
AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows that in the 12 months leading up to March 2026, employment grew by 1.6% and the labour force expanded by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to drop by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force expansion of 1.9%, alongside a minimal decrease in unemployment. Long-term outlooks can be gathered from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections released in May-25. These five and ten-year estimates have been integrated with the local occupational structure to project local trends. Although nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the expected changes vary by sector. Overlaying these industry projections onto the employment profile of Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan suggests that local employment would expand by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted calculation that excludes local demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
Tax statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicate that the income bracket of Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is one of the highest in the country. The median taxpayer income in the area is $64,296 and the average is $82,834, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003. Adjusting for a 10.32% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated figures are $70,931 for median and $91,382 for average incomes as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes are positioned between the 75th and 90th percentiles nationwide. The largest income bracket contains 28.0% of residents (3,296 people) who receive $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is similar to the regional average of 30.9% in this range. A high proportion of residents, 42.0%, earn more than $3,000 per week. Housing costs represent 13.9% of local incomes, and the high earnings put the area in the 90th percentile for disposable income, with the SEIFA score placing it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
According to Census records, the residential landscape of Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan consisted of 94.2% separate houses and 5.9% alternative housing types including semi-detached homes, units, and other styles, contrasted with 55.9% houses and 44.1% alternative types in metro Sydney. Fully owned properties stood at 40.0% of the market, which is higher than the Sydney metro level, whereas mortgaged homes made up 47.6% and rented properties comprised 12.3%. Typical monthly mortgage costs were $2,528, exceeding the Sydney metro benchmark of $2,427, and median weekly rent was $560, compared to the metropolitan average of $470. These local figures exceed the national average mortgage payment of $1,863 and the national median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Families make up the majority of local households at 83.1%, consisting of 46.9% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parents. Single-person dwellings constitute 15.9% of the remaining 16.9% non-family households, while group housing accounts for 1.1% of the total. The median occupancy is 2.9 individuals per household, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Tertiary educational attainment presents a challenge for the locality, with 36.6% of residents holding a higher education degree compared to 57.1% across the wider SA4 region. Among university graduates, 24.1% possess bachelor degrees, 9.2% have post-graduate qualifications, and 3.3% hold graduate diplomas. Vocational training and technical expertise are well represented, with 34.5% of individuals aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of 11.9% with advanced diplomas and 22.6% with certificate level training.
A significant portion of the population is engaged in study, with 31.0% of local inhabitants enrolled in an educational institution. This group comprises 10.6% attending primary schools, 9.6% in high schools, and 5.0% studying at university or vocational colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Analysis of the public transit network shows 117 active transit stops in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan, which include a combination of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 22 unique routes, delivering a total of 1,822 passenger trips each week. Transport connectivity is good, with residents living an average of 235 meters from a transit point. Because the region is residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 84%, followed by trains at 9%. Average car ownership is 1.6 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. A significant portion of residents, 49.9%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which could be related to conditions during COVID-19.
Daily transit services average 260 trips across all active routes, which represents approximately 15 trips per week at each individual stop. The map displays the 100 closest transit stops relative to the center of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Analysis of mortality statistics and the incidence of chronic diseases indicates very positive health outcomes in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan, with low rates of common illnesses observed in both younger and older populations. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is high, covering approximately 61% of residents (7,157 people), which exceeds the national rate of 55.7%.
The primary diagnosed ailments among locals are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.3% and 7.8% of the population, whereas 69.7% reported no long-term illnesses, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The population under 65 years of age shows favorable health indicators. People aged 65 and over represent 18.8% of the local population (2,214 people), which is higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 15.5%. Older residents demonstrate positive health metrics, with their national rankings corresponding to general trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Cultural diversity in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is above average, with 11.4% of residents using a language other than English at home and 23.7% born in another country. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 51.5% of the population. The most distinct religious variation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of residents, compared to 0.8% in Greater Sydney.
Regarding parental background, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 30.7%, which is higher than the regional rate of 19.0%, Australian at 26.6%, which exceeds the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish at 8.4%. Other notable ethnic groups include Welsh at 0.8% (against 0.4% regionally), Russian at 0.5% (against 0.4% regionally), and Hungarian at 0.4% (against 0.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age of 42 years in Berowra - Brooklyn - Cowan is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 45 - 54 demographic is highly represented at 15.7% compared to the regional figure, while the 25 - 34 bracket is lower at 6.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.7% to 14.5%, and the 75 to 84 bracket increased from 5.5% to 7.2%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort fell from 15.2% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate shifts, with the cohort aged 85+ expected to grow by 163% (354 people), increasing from 217 to 572. Those aged 65+ are expected to drive 94% of the total population increase, emphasizing an aging trend. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decline.