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 May 2026, Chatswood - East's population is approximately 21,649. This figure represents a growth of 2,048 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,601. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 21,644 in June 2025 and an additional 167 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6,348 persons per square kilometer, placing Chatswood - East among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 Census exceeds both its SA4 region (5.9%) and the state average, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.9% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Chatswood - East is projected to grow by 3,415 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 15.8% over the 16-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, four approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.4 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $549,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY26, commercial development approvals have totalled $29.8 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood - East shows around 56% of construction activity per person and ranks in the 42nd percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises approximately 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. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Chatswood - East is projected to gain 3,410 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 has identified 35 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects 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 performance in Chatswood - East has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Chatswood - East has an educated workforce with a notable presence in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.5% as of December 2025. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year.

There are currently 10,970 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Chatswood - East stands at 62.5%, lower than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census data, 56.3% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment are professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance.

The area specializes in finance & insurance, with an employment share nearly twice the regional level. Conversely, construction employs only 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. There is a ratio of 1.2 workers to every resident, indicating that Chatswood - East hosts more jobs than residents and attracts workers from nearby areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 1.2%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in 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 could grow by 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

The Chatswood - East SA2 has an extremely high national income level according to recent ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in this area is $57,015, with an average income of $92,022. These figures compare to those for Greater Sydney, which are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.32% since the financial year ending June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $62,899 (median) and $101,519 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Chatswood - East cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 29.8% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (6,451 residents), which is 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, but strong earnings still 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

Dwelling structure in Chatswood - East, as per the latest Census, comprised 25.8% houses and 74.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatswood - East was 26.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.2% and rented ones at 55.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, above Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $590, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Chatswood - East's mortgage repayments were higher at $3,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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 shows significant superiority over broader standards. Among residents aged 15 years and above, 57.3% possess university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. This notable educational advantage places the area favourably for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%).

Vocational pathways constitute 17.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas accounting for 10.2% and certificates for 7.0%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, 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

Chatswood - East has 92 active public transport stops offering train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 99 routes, facilitating 21,593 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average proximity of 132 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars dominate at 48%, followed by train (22%) and walking (18%). Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below regional norms.

According to the 2021 Census, 56.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency across all routes averages 3,084 trips, equating to approximately 234 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (14,461 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (4.4%) and mental health issues (4.2%). A majority of residents (81.5%) report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Greater Sydney average of 74.6%. The area has a senior population of 14.7% (3,184 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for 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, surveyed in June 2021, has high linguistic diversity with 64.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 65.1% of its population resides there. Christianity is the predominant religion at 35.5%.

Buddhism's presence at 7.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.1%, indicates overrepresentation. Ancestrally, Chinese (37.6%) and Other (14.5%) groups are prominent, while English (11.2%) is underrepresented compared to the regional average of 19.0%. Korean (5.2%), Filipino (2.1%), and Indian (3.8%) groups also show notable divergences from regional averages.

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

Chatswood - East's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years but slightly below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood - East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 18.9%, but fewer residents aged 55-64 at 7.8%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.1% to 14.8%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 16.7% to 18.9%. Conversely, the 0-4 age group declined from 5.1% to 3.5%, and the 35-44 age group decreased from 18.5% to 17.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Chatswood - East's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 30%, adding 800 residents to reach a total of 3,487. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.