Chatswood - East
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Chatswood - East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of August 2025, Chatswood - East's population is approximately 21,776. This represents an increase of 2,175 individuals (11.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,601. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,456 in June 2024 and an additional 176 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6,385 persons per square kilometer, placing Chatswood - East in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. The growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA4 region (5.4%) and the state level, positioning Chatswood - East as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these trends, Chatswood - East is projected to experience above median population growth nationally, with an expected increase of 4,010 persons by 2041, resulting in a total gain of 16.9% 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 home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 367 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates 2.4 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $943,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $29.8 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood - East shows around 57% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 638 people per dwelling approval, Chatswood - East reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 3,690 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Chatswood - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 35 projects likely impacting this region. Key projects include Chatswood Chase Redevelopment, Ethos Chatswood, Coronation Property Mixed-Use Development, and Chatswood Grand Residences. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment drivers in Chatswood - East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Chatswood - East has an educated workforce with a notable technology sector presence. Its unemployment rate was 6.4% as of June 2025.

There were 10,764 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 2.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney at 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Finance & insurance had a particularly high share of employment at 1.9 times the regional level, while construction had limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to the regional rate of 8.6%.

The area functioned as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, employment declined by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. State-level data for NSW as of Sep-25 showed employment contracted by 0.41% with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Chatswood - East suggested local growth of approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Chatswood - East had a median income among taxpayers of $54,140 with the average level standing at $92,096. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% from financial year ended June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $59,879 (median) and $101,858 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Chatswood - East cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (6,489 people), reflecting patterns seen the metropolitan region where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. The substantial proportion of high earners (34.3% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 65th percentile and 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

As per the latest Census assessment in Chatswood - East, dwelling structures 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 mortgaged dwellings at 18.2% and rented ones at 55.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,033. Median weekly rent in the area was $590, slightly higher than Sydney metro's $560. Nationally, Chatswood - East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 70.3% of all households, including couples with children (32.9%), couples without children (25.3%), and single parent families (10.4%). Non-family households account for the remaining 29.7%, comprising lone person households (24.6%) and group households (5.0%). The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning 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

Educational attainment in Chatswood - East is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of a recent report, 57.3% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates 7.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.3% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education. As of the latest data, Chatswood - East's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,289 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score of 1149. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

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. These include train, light rail, and bus services. The stops are served by 99 individual routes which facilitate 16,353 weekly passenger trips in total.

Residential accessibility to these stops is excellent, with residents typically located 133 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 2,336 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 exhibits excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 67% (14,611 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 78.2%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 4.4% and 4.2% of residents respectively. 81.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 78.0%. As of 14th June 2021, 14.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,185 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.7%. Health outcomes among seniors align closely with the general population's health 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 population where 64.6% speak languages other than English at home, with 65.1% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 35.5%. Buddhism's representation is notably higher at 7.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

In ancestry, Chinese are most represented at 37.6%, Other groups follow at 14.5%, and English at 11.2%. Korean (5.2%), Indian (3.8%), and Filipino (2.1%) ethnicities show notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages of 1.8%, 3.1%, and 1.4% respectively.

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

Chatswood - East has a median age of 37, which is equal to Greater Sydney's figure and comparable to Australia's at 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 17.1%, showing strong representation compared to Greater Sydney, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 8%. Between 2021 and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 14.7%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 16.7% to 17.7%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort declined from 18.5% to 17.1%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 5.1% to 3.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Chatswood - East's age structure. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 32% (884 people), reaching 3,652 from 2,767. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 group is expected to contract by 288 residents.