Dee Why - North

Population growth drivers in Dee Why - North are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Dee Why - North's population is approximately 19,005. This figure represents an increase of 1,189 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,816. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,997 in June 2024 and the addition of 15 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 9,137 persons per square kilometer, placing Dee Why - North in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.2%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of 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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected expansion of 3,491 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 18.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Dee Why - North recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Dee Why - North averaged approximately 60 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 301 homes approved during this period and an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3.4 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on property prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes in the area is $349,000.

In terms of commercial development, $6.0 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dee Why - North has slightly more development activity, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity in the area has slowed in recent years and is below the national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 3486 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Looking ahead, Dee Why - North is projected to grow by 3,483 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Dee Why - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Casa Delmar, Lighthouse Precinct Dee Why, Northern Beaches Coast Walk, and 154-158 Pacific Parade Mixed Use 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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Dee Why - North shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Dee Why - North has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.8%.

There are 11,956 residents employed, which is 1.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 72.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

However, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.4% while employment fell by 2.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dee Why - North's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Dee Why - North SA2 was $58,285 and the average was $87,558 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is among the highest incomes in Australia compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,635 for the median and $98,599 for the average as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Dee Why - North rank highly nationally, between the 70th and 83rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment comprises 38.5% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (7,316 residents), aligning with regional trends where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 21.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Dee Why - North features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Dee Why - North, as per the latest Census evaluation, 10.5% of dwellings were houses while 89.5% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of residences. This is in contrast to Sydney metropolitan areas where 57.6% of dwellings are houses and 42.4% are other dwelling types. Home ownership in Dee Why - North stood at 20.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 30.2% and rented ones making up 49.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, significantly lower than Sydney's average of $3,000 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Dee Why - North was recorded at $550, slightly above Sydney's figure of $592 and substantially higher than the national average of $375.

Dee Why - North features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 64.0% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Dee Why - North shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is distinguished regionally, with university qualification rates at 39.8% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.6% and certificates for 18.3%.

Educational participation is notably high at 26.1%, including 6.6% in primary education, 5.6% in tertiary education, and 4.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 46 active stops operating within Dee Why - North. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totalling 75. They facilitate 8,427 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Residents' access to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 108 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,203 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 183 weekly trips per individual stop.

Dee Why - North'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 in Dee Why - North, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (12,125 people), compared to 71.5% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.0% and 5.7% of residents respectively.

A total of 78.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% across Greater Sydney. The area has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,540 people), which is lower than the 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly matching the general population's health profile.

Dee Why - North is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dee Why-North has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Dee Why-North, comprising 42.9%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 6.0% versus 1.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.5%), Other (19.9%), and Australian (16.2%). Serbian, Spanish, and French ethnicities show notable divergences in representation compared to regional averages.

Dee Why - North's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dee Why - North's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is slightly below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dee Why - North has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.8% to 4.6%, while the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 8.3% to 7.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Dee Why - North's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 763 residents to reach a total of 4,791. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.