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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Heathcote - Waterfall is $1.50m, with units at $1.21m. House values have moved 3.6% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Heathcote - Waterfall has an estimated 6,725 residents, up from 6,673 at the 2021 Census. That puts 244 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Heathcote - Waterfall is approximately 6,725 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 52 individuals (0.8%) from the 6,673 residents recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 6,720 combined with 67 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. With these figures, the density ratio stands at 243 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density with potential space for future residential expansion. The 0.8% post-census growth rate of Heathcote - Waterfall is within 2.3 percentage points of the broader SA3 region's rate of 3.1%, showing competitive regional growth.
This population increase was almost exclusively supported by overseas migration, which served as the primary source of demographic gains lately. AreaSearch incorporates population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for each SA2. For areas lacking this coverage, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline are applied instead. Age cohort growth rates derived from these sources are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on the most recent annual ERP data, Heathcote - Waterfall is projected to experience growth matching the lowest quartile of national areas, growing by 235 individuals by 2041, which represents an overall increase of 3.4% across the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
126 new dwellings have been approved in Heathcote - Waterfall over the past five years, an average of 25 a year. That is 3.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 33% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Heathcote - Waterfall averages approximately 25 residential building approvals annually, with 126 dwellings approved during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 12 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Despite a declining local population, building activity remains relatively sufficient for buyers, and the average expected construction cost for new dwellings is $439,000, which is moderately higher than the regional average and points to a focus on higher-quality builds. Additionally, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the locality.
Per capita, Heathcote - Waterfall has seen building approval levels run 19.0% above the regional average over the last 5 years, providing options for buyers while protecting established house values, even though development has decelerated recently. The composition of new approvals consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium to high-density dwellings. This concentration on denser formats offers lower entry pricing and caters to downsizing owners, investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a significant shift from the established housing stock, where houses currently make up 76.0%, and reflects a scarcity of greenfield sites alongside shifting homebuyer preferences and budget considerations. The ratio of 690 residents per new dwelling approval underscores the calm, low-density development profile of the area. Projections indicate that Heathcote - Waterfall will add 230 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If historic construction trends persist, the volume of new housing completions is expected to easily accommodate this demand, sustaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially enabling faster population growth than currently anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Heathcote - Waterfall
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Heathcote - Waterfall, worth an estimated $8 million. A further 65 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $8.38 billion. 13 are already under construction and 23 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and new developments remain key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that are expected to influence the locality. Notable developments include the Heathcote Apartments Development, Hermitage Apartments, Engadine Central Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and the Waratah Road Townhouses, with details on the most relevant initiatives listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Heathcote Apartments Development
Redevelopment of former pub site into 168 apartments including 25 affordable units, with retail and commercial spaces.
Waterfall Stabling Yard and Platform Extension
The project is part of the More Trains, More Services program and includes the installation of a new retaining wall to widen the rail corridor, extension of the island platform to accommodate longer intercity trains, new stabling yard, and realignment of tracks and overhead wiring.
Waterfall Enabling Works
Early works package delivered near Waterfall Station to prepare for the Waterfall Stabling Yard and platform extension under the More Trains, More Services program. Scope included boundary retaining walls (approx 500 m total), services searches, relocation of utilities over ~2 km, earthworks, drainage, temporary reinforced embankment, and traffic and pedestrian management along Princes Highway. The enabling works were completed in 2020, paving the way for the main Waterfall stabling yard and platform extension now led by Transport for NSW.
Waterfall Station Upgrade
Design and construct Easy Access Upgrade to Waterfall Station, delivering a new station entry with level access, a lift from entry to platform, a platform extension to form a lift waiting area, new canopies, accessible toilets, upgraded platform for level access, interchange improvements and expanded lighting/CCTV. Delivered four months ahead of schedule (Nov 2013-Aug 2015) for Transport for NSW.
Hermitage Apartments
A boutique development featuring 64 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with modern amenities, designed to blend with the natural surroundings, offering views of the city, national park, or district. The project has experienced delays due to developer disputes and construction issues, and is approaching completion following receivership appointment.
Engadine Central Shopping Centre Redevelopment
A $4 million refurbishment of the Woolworths-anchored Engadine Central Shopping Centre. The project involved a comprehensive aesthetic and functional upgrade, including modernized external facades, upgraded entry points, new internal flooring and pathways, improved signage, and refreshed landscaping to revitalize the local retail hub.
Engadine High School Upgrade
The upgrade includes a new multipurpose hall with a multi-use sports court, stage, amenities, and storage facilities for sports and performances. The project was completed in June 2024.
Waratah Road Townhouses
Completed development consisting of 6 townhouses in a prime location near shops, transport, and schools.
3,776 residents of Heathcote - Waterfall are employed, from a labour force of 3,871. Unemployment sits at 2.5%, with participation at 70.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,611, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Heathcote - Waterfall features a qualified labor force with strong representations in key service industries, an unemployment rate of only 2.5%, and an estimated annual job growth rate of 0.6%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,776, while the local unemployment rate was 1.7% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%. Labor force participation matches the metropolitan benchmark of 69.1% closely. Census records show that a high proportion of employed residents (38.7%) worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns. The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The area exhibits a notable concentration in the construction sector, employing residents at 1.4 times the regional average rate. Conversely, the finance & insurance sector is underrepresented, employing 4.5% of the local workforce compared to 7.3% across Greater Sydney. The relationship between the resident workforce and locally available jobs suggests limited local employment opportunities within the immediate area. According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the year ending March 2026 saw employment levels rise by 0.6% and the local labor force grow by 0.5%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labor force growth of 1.9%, with a minor decrease in unemployment. Long-term employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide an indication of future workforce demand in Heathcote - Waterfall. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate future trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these projections against the local workforce structure suggest employment for residents could grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local population adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Heathcote - Waterfall is $2,239 a week (about $116,000 a year), with median personal income at $949 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $65,788 a year against an average of $78,322. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Heathcote - Waterfall SA2 are very high compared to the rest of the nation, with a median of $65,788 and an average of $78,322. This is in contrast to the Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 are approximately $72,577 for the median and $86,405 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Heathcote - Waterfall all ranked high, placing in the 73rd to 80th national percentiles.
The weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 30.0% of the local population (2,017 people), which aligns with the regional average of 30.9% in this bracket. The large share of high-income earners earning over $3,000 per week (34.5%) indicates high financial capacity in the community. Housing costs consume 14.8% of income, while strong household earnings place residents in the 80th percentile for disposable income, and the area ranks in the 7th decile of the SEIFA index of relative financial advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Heathcote - Waterfall had 2,325 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 12% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $520 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,513 a month, a total housing cost higher than 76% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 23.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing types in Heathcote - Waterfall at the last Census consisted of 76.1% separate houses and 23.9% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to the broader Sydney metropolitan breakdown of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership rates in Heathcote - Waterfall were higher than the metropolitan average at 41.7%, with 46.1% of properties owned with a mortgage and 12.2% occupied by tenants. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,513, exceeding the metropolitan average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was $520, compared to Sydney's median of $470.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in Heathcote - Waterfall are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Heathcote - Waterfall counted 2,325 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 79% of areas nationally, against 28% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise the vast majority of households at 77.9%, which includes 39.7% couples with dependent children, 27.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single-parent households. Single-person and group households account for the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households representing 20.9% and group households comprising 1.1%. The average household size is 2.7 people, matching the metropolitan Sydney average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.4% of adults in Heathcote - Waterfall hold a university qualification, including 15.9% with a bachelor degree and 5.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.6% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,095 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,034 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present specific opportunities for improvement, as the proportion of residents with university degrees (24.4%) is significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Among these degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Conversely, vocational and technical qualifications are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding a qualification, comprising 12.3% with advanced diplomas and 29.6% with certificate-level qualifications. Enrolment in formal education is high, with 29.8% of the local population currently studying.
This student population includes 10.4% in primary schools, 8.3% in secondary schools, and 4.1% enrolled in higher education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Heathcote - Waterfall reaches 63 stops on 19 routes, timetabled for about 3,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 130 m from its nearest stop. Trains carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An analysis of public transport options shows 63 active transit stops in Heathcote - Waterfall, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 distinct routes, which accommodate 3,140 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with the average distance from a home to the nearest stop measuring 130 meters. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 89%, followed by trains at 7%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.6, which is higher than the regional average.
A high share of workers (38.7%) worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions. Public transport services run at an average frequency of 448 trips daily across all local routes, which equals roughly 49 weekly trips per transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.3% of residents in Heathcote - Waterfall report no long-term health condition. 5.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Heathcote - Waterfall presents several public health considerations based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with chronic conditions common across the population, particularly among older age cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 58% of the population (~3,900 people). Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses, affecting 9.6% and 8.2% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 65.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for working-age residents are typical.
Residents aged 65 and over comprise 21.3% of the community (1,429 people), exceeding the Greater Sydney average of 15.5%. Health outcomes for seniors show some difficulties, though they rank lower nationally than the rest of the local demographic.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Heathcote - Waterfall is largely Australian-born, at 87.7% of residents, with 5.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.4%) and English (31.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The population of Heathcote - Waterfall displays lower cultural diversity than the metropolitan average, with 87.7% of residents born in Australia, 93.5% holding citizenship, and 95.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 58.6% of the population, compared to 49.2% recorded across Greater Sydney. Based on parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Heathcote - Waterfall are Australian at 31.4% of the population (well above the regional average of 17.8%), English at 31.2% (well above the regional average of 19.0%), and Irish at 9.6%.
There are minor differences in other ancestry representations, with Maltese residents making up 0.7% of the population (compared to 1.0% regionally), South Australian ancestry at 0.5% (compared to 0.5%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Heathcote - Waterfall is 42. 21.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 42 years in Heathcote - Waterfall is older than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The cohort aged 85 and over is highly represented at 4.3% compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25 - 34 age group is smaller at 8.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.5% to 13.2%, while the 25 to 34 group decreased from 9.6% to 8.4%. Projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 44% (increasing by 212 people from 480 to 693).
Overall, cohorts aged 65 and over are projected to drive 88% of total population growth, pointing to an aging population, whereas the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are projected to decline in numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Heathcote - Waterfall
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2025 about a year ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 67 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,673 at the 2021 Census → 6,725 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (128021533). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.