Chatswood - East

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Chatswood - East's population is around 21,618 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,017 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,601 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,456 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 156 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,339 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Chatswood - East's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,010 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 17.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Chatswood - East has seen around 73 new homes approved each year, totalling 367 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $549,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $29.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Chatswood - East shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 42nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 638 people per dwelling approval, Chatswood - East reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Chatswood - East will gain 3,848 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 35 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Chatswood Chase Redevelopment, Coronation Property Mixed-Use Development, Chatswood Grand Residences, and 10 Gordon Avenue Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment performance in Chatswood - East has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Chatswood - East features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,970 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 56.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in finance & insurance, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. With 1.2 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force increased by 1.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Chatswood - East. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Chatswood - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Chatswood - East SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Chatswood - East SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,015 and the average income stands at $92,022, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,067 (median) and $100,175 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Chatswood - East cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 29.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,442 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 34.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. 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

Dwelling structure within Chatswood - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 25.8% houses and 74.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Chatswood - East was slightly lagging that of Sydney metro, at 26.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.2%) or rented (55.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $590, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Chatswood - East's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chatswood - East features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.3% of all households, comprising 32.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 57.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 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+ - advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (7.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 92 active transport stops operating within Chatswood - East, comprising a mix of train, light rail, and buses. These stops are serviced by 99 individual routes, collectively providing 21,593 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 132 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 48%, with 22% by train and 18% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 56.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3,084 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 234 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Chatswood - East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (14,440 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 4.4% and 4.2% of residents, respectively, while 81.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,251 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 64.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 65.1% born overseas. The main religion in Chatswood - East is Christianity, which makes up 35.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 7.7% of the population, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Chatswood - East are Chinese, comprising 37.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%, Other, comprising 14.5% of the population, and English, comprising 11.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Chatswood - East (vs 1.1% regionally), Filipino at 2.1% (vs 2.0%) and Indian at 3.8% (vs 3.6%).

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

With a median age of 37, Chatswood - East is equal to the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 8.1%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 15.0% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 18.5% to 17.0% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 5.1% to 3.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Chatswood - East's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 32% (880 people), reaching 3,652 from 2,771. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 group will contract by 222 residents.