Chatswood - East

Population growth drivers in Chatswood - East are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Chatswood - East's population is approximately 21,766, reflecting an increase of 2,165 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 11.0% rise from the previous population of 19,601. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,456 in June 2024 and an additional 172 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6,383 persons per square kilometer, placing Chatswood - East within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.4%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Chatswood - East is projected to grow by 4,010 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 17.0% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Chatswood - East when compared nationally

Chatswood - East has seen approximately 73 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 367 homes. As of FY26, there have been 3 approvals recorded so far. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.4 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25. This suggests steady demand supporting property values, with new homes being constructed at an average cost of $943,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers.

In FY26, there have been $29.8 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood - East shows around 57% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 42nd percentile nationally when assessed for buyer options, indicating somewhat limited choices while reinforcing demand for established properties. This activity is also below the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction in Chatswood - East comprises approximately 17% standalone homes and 83% townhouses or apartments, favouring compact living which offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 638 people per dwelling approval, the area reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Chatswood - East is forecasted to gain approximately 3,700 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth in the area.

Chatswood - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 such projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include Chatswood Chase Redevelopment, Coronation Property Mixed-Use Development, Chatswood Grand Residences, and 10 Gordon Avenue Development. The following list details those most 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 drivers in Chatswood - East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Chatswood - East has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 6.4%.

As of June 2025, there are 10,764 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is 2.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Chatswood - East is similar to Greater Sydney's at 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Finance & insurance has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level, while construction has limited representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 8.6%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers for every resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, employment declined by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. State-level data for NSW as of Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, favourable to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chatswood - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Chatswood - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,140 and an average income of $92,096. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,967 (median) and $103,709 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Chatswood - East cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 29.8% of residents (6,486 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (34.3%) have incomes above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chatswood - East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Chatswood - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 25.8% houses and 74.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 41.1% houses and 58.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatswood - East stood at 26.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (18.2%) or rented (55.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, below Sydney metro's average of $3,033. The median weekly rent in Chatswood - East was $590, compared to Sydney metro's $560. Nationally, Chatswood - East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chatswood - East features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 70.3% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households making up 24.6% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Chatswood - East demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Chatswood - East has a notably higher educational attainment than broader national and state averages. Specifically, 57.3% of its residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the New South Wales (NSW) average of 32.2%. This educational advantage is predominantly composed of bachelor degrees (35.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas constituting 10.2% and certificates making up 7.0%.

Educational participation in the area is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education programs. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.3% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Chatswood - East has 81 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 99 individual routes in total, providing 16,353 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 133 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 2,336 trips per day, which equates to approximately 201 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chatswood - East's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Chatswood - East shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately 67% (14,604 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 78.2%, but below the national average of 55.3%. Asthma and mental health issues are most prevalent at 4.4% and 4.2% respectively.

81.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 78.0% in Greater Sydney. The area has 14.6% (3,184 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.7%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Chatswood - East is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chatswood-East has a high level of cultural diversity, with 64.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 65.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chatswood-East, comprising 35.5%. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 7.7%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (37.6%), Other (14.5%), and English (11.2%). Notably, Korean (5.2%) and Filipino (2.1%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Similarly, Indian ancestry is slightly overrepresented at 3.8%.

Chatswood - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chatswood - East has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The strongest representation is in the 35-44 age group at 17.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's figure. However, the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 8.0%. Between 2021 and now, the 15-24 age group has risen from 11.1% to 14.7%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 16.7% to 17.7%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort decreased from 18.5% to 17.1%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 5.1% to 3.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chatswood - East's age structure. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 32% (885 people), reaching 3,652 from 2,766. Meanwhile, the 35-44 group is projected to contract by 286 residents.