Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is around 11,458 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 217 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,241 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,215 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,781 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The 1.9% growth of Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. 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. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 444 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 1.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has seen around 22 new homes approved each year, with 113 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With the population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $394,000. Additionally, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 12th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This activity is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 1307 people per dwelling approval, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights will gain 201 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Narrabeen Village, Narrabeen Lakeside Estate, Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment, and Montecito Collaroy, 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.

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights possesses a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 5,840 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 43.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, finance & insurance shows lower representation at 4.6% versus the regional average of 7.3%. 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% while employment declined by 2.2%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights. 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 Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights'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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2's median income among taxpayers is $63,654, with an average of $95,284. This is extremely high nationally, and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,294 (median) and $103,726 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 28.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,219 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners (31.7% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. High housing costs consume 20.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 59th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 32.7% houses and 67.2% 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 Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 33.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (35.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,817, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $580, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.4% of all households, comprising 27.1% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights trail regional benchmarks, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 41.5% in the SA4 region. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (22.8%).

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.2% 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 70 active transport stops operating within Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 79 individual routes, collectively providing 6,622 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 124 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A high 43.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 946 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (7,871 people), compared 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 8.6% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 67.5% 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 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,152 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.2% born overseas. The main religion in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is Christianity, which makes up 55.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% 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 Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights are English, comprising 31.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 24.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights (vs 0.5% regionally), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 0.7%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The 46-year median age in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (10.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 541 people (72%) from 757 to 1,299. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 96% of projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.