Malabar - La Perouse

An assessment of population growth drivers in Malabar - La Perouse reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Malabar - La Perouse's population is around 11,062 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 452 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,610 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,915 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,315 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Malabar - La Perouse has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,312 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 10.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Malabar - La Perouse recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Malabar - La Perouse has recorded around 59 residential properties granted approval annually, with 297 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. Given the population has fallen over this period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $481,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $1.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Malabar - La Perouse shows 106.0% higher construction activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New development consists of 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 47.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 185 people per dwelling approval, Malabar - La Perouse shows characteristics of a low density area.

Future projections show Malabar - La Perouse adding 1,165 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Malabar - La Perouse has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Malabar Ocean Pool Accessible Amenities Building, 27 Jennifer Street, Little Bay, and the Meriton Little Bay Development, 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.

Employment drivers in Malabar - La Perouse are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Malabar - La Perouse features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 8.1%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,106 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.0% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 46.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The area has particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, retail trade has limited presence with 7.0% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5% and labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 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 Malabar - La Perouse. 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 Malabar - La Perouse's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Malabar - La Perouse SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $66,164 and an average of $90,029 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 $72,026 (median) and $98,006 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Malabar - La Perouse, between the 77th and 79th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 25.5% of residents (2,820 people), unlike trends in the region where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The substantial proportion of high earners (37.1% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Malabar - La Perouse. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 74th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Malabar - La Perouse displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Malabar - La Perouse, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 46.6% houses and 53.4% 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 Malabar - La Perouse was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 33.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.8%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $535, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Malabar - La Perouse's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Malabar - La Perouse has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.2% of all households, comprising 33.7% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Malabar - La Perouse shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (39.5%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 54.6%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (20.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 104 active transport stops operating within Malabar - La Perouse, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 3,599 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 46.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 514 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Malabar - La Perouse is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Malabar - La Perouse faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (7,289 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 arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.6% and 6.4% of residents, respectively, while 71.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 23.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,553 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Malabar - La Perouse was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Malabar - La Perouse was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.7% born overseas. The main religion in Malabar - La Perouse is Christianity, which makes up 60.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 2.2% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Malabar - La Perouse are English, comprising 22.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Malabar - La Perouse (vs 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%) and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Malabar - La Perouse hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 44, Malabar - La Perouse notably exceeds the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 11.6% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 12.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.4% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Malabar - La Perouse's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 100% (373 people), reaching 745 from 371. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 72% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.