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 21,766 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,165 people (11.0%) 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 172 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,383 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chatswood - East's 11.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.4%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 17.0% in total over the 17 years.

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. In FY2026 so far, there have been three approvals 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 built at an average expected construction cost of $549,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $29.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting robust 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 for buyer options, suggesting somewhat limited choices while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. 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.

Population forecasts indicate that the area will gain approximately 3,700 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could 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 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely to impact the 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.

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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 presence in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 6.1%.

As of September 2025, there are 10,923 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is 1.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's at 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Finance & insurance stands out with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 4.3% compared to the regional 8.6%.

There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating it serves as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.9%, but employment declined by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. Statewide in NSW as of 25-November, employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a national expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chatswood - East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Chatswood - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,140 and an average income of $92,096. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $60,967 and $103,709 respectively, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. 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 weekly income bracket, similar to metropolitan Sydney's 30.9%. Notably, 34.3% of residents earn above $3,000 per week. 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

Dwelling structure in Chatswood - East, as evaluated at the latest Census on 28 August 2016, comprised 25.8% houses and 74.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's structure of 41.1% houses and 58.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatswood - East was at 26.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.2% and rented ones at 55.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2021, was $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $590. These figures are compared to Sydney metropolitan averages of $3,033 for mortgage repayments and $560 for rents. Nationally, Chatswood - East's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 as of June 2021, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chatswood - East features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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 make up the remaining 29.7%, consisting of 24.6% lone person households and 5.0% group households. 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

Educational attainment in Chatswood - East is notably high, with 57.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest available data. This figure surpasses both national (30.4%) and NSW state (32.2%) averages, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents, bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates comprising 7.0%.

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

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

The analysis of public transport in the Chatswood-East area shows that there are 81 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. A total of 99 individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 16,353 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to public transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 133 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 2,336 trips per day across all routes, 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Chatswood - East, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (14,604 people), compared to 78.2% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.4% and 4.2% of residents respectively.

A total of 81.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.0% in Greater Sydney. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,184 people), which is lower than the 15.7% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning 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, as per the 2016 Census, has a high level of cultural diversity with 64.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 65.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 35.5%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 7.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

The top ancestry groups are Chinese (37.6%), Other (14.5%), and English (11.2%), with notable divergences in Korean (5.2% vs regional 1.8%), Filipino (2.1% vs 1.4%), and Indian (3.8% vs 3.1%) representation.

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 age group of 35-44 is strongly represented at 17.1%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 8.0%. Between 2021 and present day, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 11.1% to 14.7% of the population, 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 age group dropped from 5.1% to 3.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chatswood - East's age structure. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 885 people and reaching a total of 3,652 from the previous figure of 2,766. Meanwhile, the 35-44 age group is expected to decrease by 286 residents.