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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dee Why - North's population is around 19,089 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,273 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,816 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,997 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 177 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 9,177 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Dee Why - North's 7.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 68.0% 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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,491 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.8% in total 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 has averaged around 60 new dwelling approvals per year, with 301 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $349,000. Additionally, $6.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Dee Why - North has slightly more development (14.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 3486 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Dee Why - North is expected to grow by 3,399 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

Dee Why - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Casa Delmar, Northern Beaches Coast Walk, 154-158 Pacific Parade Mixed Use Development, and Hamptons by Rose, 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.

Dee Why - North shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Dee Why - North possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. As of December 2025, 11,995 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 35.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.2% combined with employment decreasing by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dee Why - North. 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 Dee Why - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Dee Why - North SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $62,182 and an average of $86,974 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,691 (median) and $94,680 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Dee Why - North, between the 70th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 38.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,349 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 21.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 61st percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Dee Why - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 10.5% houses and 89.5% 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 Dee Why - North was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 20.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.2%) or rented (49.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Sydney metro average at $2,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Dee Why - North's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure 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 dominate at 64.0% of all households, comprising 24.0% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 5.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (39.8% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and that of NSW (32.2%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (18.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis reveals 58 active transport stops operating within Dee Why - North, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 76 individual routes, collectively providing 9,129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 108 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 67%, with 19% by bus and 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 35.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,304 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 157 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 demonstrates outstanding results across Dee Why - North, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (12,083 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.0% and 5.7% of residents, respectively, while 78.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,655 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 39.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.5% born overseas. The main religion in Dee Why - North is Christianity, which makes up 42.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 6.0% of the population, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dee Why - North are English, comprising 21.5% of the population, Other, comprising 19.9% of the population, and Australian, comprising 16.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Dee Why - North (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.2% (vs 0.6%) and French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

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

At 36 years, Dee Why - North's median age is nearly matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Dee Why - North has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (20.4%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (7.5%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.8% to 4.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 21.8% to 20.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Dee Why - North's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 894 residents to reach 4,791. In contrast, both 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.