Cromer

An assessment of population growth drivers in Cromer reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Cromer's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,296. This figure represents an increase of 250 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,046. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: Cromer had an estimated resident population of 8,282 in June 2024 and gained 10 new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of around 1,107 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages found across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade (2015-2025), Cromer has shown steady growth with an average annual increase of 0.8%, outperforming its SA3 region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 75.9% of population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these projections, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using the 2021 Census as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Cromer is expected to grow by approximately 89 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth rate of around 0.9% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cromer according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Cromer has recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 72 homes were approved, with an additional one approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over these five years, there have been 3.5 new residents.

This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $346,000. In the current financial year, there have been $7.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cromer shows roughly 60% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 22nd percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. The location has approximately 753 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Cromer is expected to grow by 75 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Cromer has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could affect the area. Notable projects include Wakehurst Parkway Improvements (Frenchs Forest to Narrabeen), Casa Delmar, Northern Beaches Corridor Capacity: Seaforth To Mona Vale, and Northern Beaches Bus Network Improvements. 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 conditions in Cromer remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Cromer has a well-educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%. As of September 2025, there are 4,295 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is 0.1% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Cromer is 66.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 43.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.4 times the regional average, while transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, and employment declined by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cromer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Cromer SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,466 and an average income of $88,804. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to $60,817 and $83,003 respectively across Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for September 2025 would be approximately $69,089, with average income estimated at $96,672. The 2021 Census data ranks household incomes in Cromer at the 87th percentile ($2,379 weekly). Income analysis shows that 27.6% of the community (2,289 individuals) falls into the $4000+ earnings band, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. The district demonstrates affluence with 40.8% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 83rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Cromer is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Cromer consisted of 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cromer stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented dwellings at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,179, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Cromer was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Cromer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,179 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Cromer features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, consisting of 44.5% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households making up 20.1% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Cromer shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 30.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 41.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is high at 30.8%, including 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cromer has 63 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 41 different routes that together facilitate 2,060 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transportation, with an average distance of 144 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Cromer, primarily using cars (88%), while only 5% use buses. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 43.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 294 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per stop.

Cromer's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Cromer, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (5,408 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.2 and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 72.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Cromer has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,789 people), higher than the 15.3% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Cromer was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cromer had a cultural diversity above average, with 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.3% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 56.6%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

In ancestry, English (29.9%) and Australian (25.1%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 17.8% respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 7.7%. Serbian (1.0%), Welsh (0.8%), and French (0.8%) ethnic groups had notable divergences compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Cromer's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Cromer is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group has a strong representation at 8.9% compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.1% to 14.2%, and the 85+ cohort has grown from 3.2% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cromer. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 99%, reaching 792 people from 397, and the combined 65+ age groups will account for 99% of total population growth. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.