Cromer

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cromer's population is around 8,299 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 253 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,046 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,282 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,108 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Cromer has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 75.9% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 89 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 0.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Cromer has recorded around 14 residential properties granted approval annually, with 72 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. At an average of 3.5 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $346,000. There have also been $7.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Cromer shows approximately 60% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 22nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. The location has approximately 753 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Cromer is expected to grow by 72 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Wakehurst Parkway Improvements (Frenchs Forest to Narrabeen), Casa Delmar, Northern Beaches (A8) Corridor Capacity: Seaforth To Mona Vale, and Northern Beaches Bus Network Improvements, 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.

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 conditions in Cromer remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Cromer features a well-educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.0%. As of December 2025, 4,309 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (66.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 43.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 2.9% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2% while employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cromer. 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 Cromer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Cromer SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,466 with the average level standing at $88,804. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,089 (median) and $96,672 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 87th percentile ($2,379 weekly). Income analysis reveals the $4,000+ earnings band captures 27.6% of the community (2,290 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 40.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 83rd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Cromer, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 75.9% houses and 24.1% 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 Cromer was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 40.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (15.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,179, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $650, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Cromer's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.1% of all households, comprising 44.5% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (30.0%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 41.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (22.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 63 active transport stops operating within Cromer, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 2,060 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 144 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 43.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 294 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual 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 demonstrates outstanding results across Cromer, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (5,410 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,837 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they rank lower nationally than 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 13.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.3% born overseas. The main religion in Cromer is Christianity, which makes up 56.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cromer are English, comprising 29.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 25.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Cromer (vs 0.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Cromer's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Cromer is significantly above Greater Sydney's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 9.1% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.3% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 3.2% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Cromer. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 83% (359 people), reaching 792 from 432. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.