Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay's population is around 3,443 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 74 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,369. The change is inferred from ABS data: 3,437 in June 2025 plus six new addresses. This results in a density ratio of 2,711 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's 2.2% growth since census is close to the SA4 region's 5.0%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.2% of recent population gains.

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 are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the area is expected to grow by 405 persons to 2041, reflecting an 11.6% increase over 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay has seen approximately seven residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 36 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved so far in FY26.

The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years is 0.5. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $632,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently.

Nationally, this location also reflects lower development activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This is a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 95.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The area has approximately 354 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established location. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay is expected to grow by 399 residents through to 2041. Development appears to be keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to affect this area. Notable projects include Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link (SCATL), Ozone Cronulla Apartment Development, M6 Stage 2, and Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line.

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Employment conditions in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 0.9% as of December 2025. Employment stability was maintained over the past year, with 1,960 residents employed and an unemployment rate 3.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stood at 70.9%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A significant portion, 45.4%, of residents worked from home according to Census responses in December 2025. Employment is concentrated in construction, professional & technical services, and education & training sectors. Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance represents only 11.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 14.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and unemployment rise marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $74,990 and an average income of $108,450, placing it in the top percentile nationally. Greater Sydney's figures were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $82,729, with average income at $119,642. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay rank between the 90th and 99th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 43.9% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually (1,511 individuals), contrasting with Greater Sydney's leading bracket of $1,500-$2,999 at 30.9%. The district shows affluence with 58.0% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay, as per the latest Census, was 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay stood at 48.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 7.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,900, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $833, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly higher at $3,900 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 90.3% of all households, including 55.0% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 9.7%, with lone person households at 9.3% and group households making up 0.4%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 36.2%, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 31.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 19.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lilli Pilli-Port Hacking-Dolans Bay has 21 active public transport stops offering bus services. These are served by four routes, collectively providing 496 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 146 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting is outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 95%, with an average of 2.2 vehicles per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 45.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 75% of the total population (2,592 people) have private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.8 and 5.6% of residents respectively. 77.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (665 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay had a cultural diversity index of below average, with 87.0% of its population born in Australia, 95.7% being citizens, and 91.3% speaking English only at home as of the 2016 Census. Christianity was the dominant religion in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay, comprising 68.5% of people, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney during the same period. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.4%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, French (1.0%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Greek (3.7%) exceeded the regional average of 1.9%, and Maltese (1.1%) also had a higher representation than the regional average of 1.0%.

Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Lilli Pilli - Port Hacking - Dolans Bay is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 17.6% of the population, compared to Greater Sydney. The 25-34 cohort makes up 7.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 5.1% to 7.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 15.4% to 17.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.2% to 13.6%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 5.6% to 4.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 609 people from 469, while the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.