Lane Cove

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

Lane Cove's population was 15,888 as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it is estimated to be around 15,978, reflecting an increase of 90 people (0.6%) since the Census. This growth is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 16,640 as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 3,574 persons per square kilometer, placing Lane Cove in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Lane Cove's compound annual growth rate has been 2.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed about 67.0% of overall population gains during 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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. By 2041, Lane Cove's population is projected to increase by 1,322 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 12.4% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Lane Cove among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Lane Cove has recorded approximately 45 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 227 homes have been approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 4.2 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This high demand outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $612,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, Lane Cove has recorded $19.3 million in approvals this financial year, showing steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lane Cove has significantly less development activity, 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, though it remains lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity shows a focus on higher-density living, with 65.0% townhouses or apartments compared to 35.0% detached dwellings. This creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The area has approximately 719 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Lane Cove will gain 1,984 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Lane Cove has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 45 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include St Andrews Anglican Church Redevelopment, Mindarie Street Social Housing Development, Lane Cove North Affordable Housing Project, and residential developments at 1 Gatacre Avenue and 5 Allison Avenue. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 Lane Cove remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Lane Cove has an educated workforce with the technology sector prominently represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.2% as of September 2025. There are 9,495 employed residents in Lane Cove, which is 1.0% above Greater Sydney's unemployment rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 69.9%, exceeding Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment concentrations lie in professional & technical (1.6 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance sectors. Retail trade employs only 6.2% of local workers compared to Greater Sydney's 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Lane Cove's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment declined by 1.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, lower than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lane Cove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Lane Cove SA2 had a high national income level based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $76,891 and average income stood at $126,742, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $86,587 and average income $142,724, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Lane Cove rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles. The $4000+ earnings band captured 33.2% of the community (5,304 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 30.9%. Higher earners represented a substantial presence with 45.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consumed 16.8% of income, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 92nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Lane Cove features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Lane Cove, as per the latest Census evaluation, 36.0% of dwellings were houses while 64.0% were other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 41.1% houses and 58.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lane Cove was recorded at 27.9%, with mortgaged properties at 33.2% and rented ones at 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,033. The median weekly rent figure stood at $550 compared to Sydney metro's $560. Nationally, Lane Cove's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Lane Cove has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.0% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Lane Cove demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Lane Cove, residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher educational attainment compared to national and state averages. Specifically, 58.7% of Lane Cove's residents hold university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. This significant educational advantage is largely driven by bachelor degrees, which are held by 36.8% of residents in this age group, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.7%, and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational pathways also play a role, with 20.2% of qualifications being advanced diplomas (10.2%) or certificates (10.0%).

Educational participation is notably high in Lane Cove, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lane Cove has 94 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 52 unique routes that together facilitate 4,930 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing within 120 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 704 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lane Cove's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Lane Cove exhibits excellent health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is notably high at approximately 80% of the total population (12,814 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 6.8% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.9%, report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's figure of 78.0%. As of 2021, 15.5% of Lane Cove's population is aged 65 and over (2,482 people). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors remain strong, closely aligned with the overall population's health profile.

Lane Cove was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lane Cove's population shows high cultural diversity, with 30.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lane Cove, making up 48.1%. Judaism is equally represented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.0%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (13.1%). Hungarian, Russian, and Korean ethnicities show notable overrepresentation in Lane Cove compared to the regional averages: Hungarian at 0.5% vs 0.4%, Russian at 0.7% vs 0.6%, and Korean at 1.2% vs 1.8%.

Lane Cove's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Lane Cove is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lane Cove has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.2% to 11.0%. Conversely, the population aged 0-4 has decreased from 6.8% to 5.9%. By 2041, Lane Cove's age composition is expected to change significantly. The demographic shift will be led by the 55-64 age group, which is projected to grow by 41%, reaching 2,097 people from 1,482. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.