Area profile · Greater Sydney
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has an estimated 11,612 residents, up 3.3% since the 2021 Census, with 108 projects tracked in the area around Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Situated 18 kilometres north-northeast from Sydney CBD, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights Statistical Area (Lv2) represents an attractive coastal enclave characterised by lakefront vistas, beaches, parklands, and a close-knit neighbourhood atmosphere. As of the latest population estimate date of Aug 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population to be approximately 11,612. This reflects a moderate expansion of 371 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census result of 11,241 people, calculated from an Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of 11,297 as of June 2025 alongside 204 validated new addresses established since the Census.
Residential accommodation features a strong apartment presence, while demographic patterns reveal a notable proportion of residents aged 85 and over, with older community members largely residing in lone person households. Supported by high-caliber local amenities, boutique retail, diverse dining options, and access to outdoor recreation including surfing, boating, swimming, and bushwalking, the area delivers an enviable oceanfront lifestyle.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 18 kilometres north-northeast from Sydney CBD, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights Statistical Area (Lv2) represents an attractive coastal enclave characterised by lakefront vistas, beaches, parklands, and a close-knit neighbourhood atmosphere. As of the latest population estimate date of Aug 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population to be approximately 11,612. This reflects a moderate expansion of 371 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census result of 11,241 people, calculated from an Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of 11,297 as of June 2025 alongside 204 validated new addresses established since the Census.
Residential accommodation features a strong apartment presence, while demographic patterns reveal a notable proportion of residents aged 85 and over, with older community members largely residing in lone person households. Supported by high-caliber local amenities, boutique retail, diverse dining options, and access to outdoor recreation including surfing, boating, swimming, and bushwalking, the area delivers an enviable oceanfront lifestyle.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 9,444 in 2001 and 11,297 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 11,612 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 55 to 64, 12.7%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 28.1%.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for transport & access and the 83rd for education.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is $830 a week, up 5.8% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 5% above Greater Sydney. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 2.9%.
5% above Greater Sydney on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $867 in 2017, $1,204 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $573 in 2017, $768 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/16 Devitt Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $1,440,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 302/20 Wellington Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $980,000 | 29 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 55 Penrith Avenue, Wheeler Heights NSW 2097 | $1,689,000 | 28 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 13/1283 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $1,180,000 | 28 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 2/38 Veterans Parade, Wheeler Heights NSW 2097 | $1,775,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 6/35 Park Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $128,180 | 22 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 17/40 Ocean Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $5,200,000 | 17 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 154 Fuller Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $3,000,000 | 16 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 122 Rose Avenue, Wheeler Heights NSW 2097 | $3,076,500 | 11 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 1/27 Goodwin Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | $1,155,000 | 11 Sep 2026 | Unit |
The 10 most recent of the 50 residential sales recorded since 11 Jun 2026 (the latest settled 1 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 50, houses and units together, was $1,747,500 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $830 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +5.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 2.9% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $2.51m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $1.22m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $1,747,500 | Median of the 50 most recent residential sales, settled 11 Jun 2026 to 1 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $1,204 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +9.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $768 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +5.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 2.4% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.2% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Warringah | $880 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Warringah, over 12 months | +5.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Sydney - Northern Beaches | $960 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Sydney - Northern Beaches, over 12 months | +6.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Sydney | $789 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Sydney, over 12 months | +5.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 69 tracked applications: 29 approved, 18 under assessment, 22 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 108 projects in and around Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, 29 of them under construction.
Major redevelopment of the Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club delivering a modern beachfront clubhouse with upgraded patrol, training and storage facilities, a purpose built oceanfront function centre, members gym and improved public amenities.
DA approved mixed-use development site featuring 22 boarding rooms, 1 penthouse apartment, and 2 ground floor commercial suites with basement parking. 814sqm site with northeast aspect and direct ocean views, flexible E1 Local Centre zoning.
Exclusive collection of 6 grand luxury residences at Collaroy Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches, developed by Cornerstone with architecture and interiors by BKH. Inspired by early 20th-century California bungalow and Spanish Mission styles, comprising two ground-floor apartments with private gardens and four expansive penthouses.
Completed in 2022, The Narrabeen Village is a mixed use local centre with 58 luxury apartments above a Coles supermarket and specialty retail precinct, providing modern shop top housing, secure parking and upgraded pedestrian access in the Narrabeen village centre.
Four-storey mixed-use shop-top housing development at the corner of Pittwater Road and Ocean Grove, Collaroy. DA2023/1395 lodged with Northern Beaches Council proposes demolition of existing commercial buildings and construction of 3 ground-floor retail tenancies and 22 apartments (2-3 bedrooms) with basement parking (29 resident, 5 visitor, 19 retail…
Improvements to Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest Road, Frenchs Forest and Pittwater Road, North Narrabeen. The project includes intersection upgrades, lane widening, new shared paths, and flood mitigation in partnership with Northern Beaches Council to enhance safety, efficiency, and flood resilience. Main construction commenced in June 2026.
Boutique collection of 12 luxury full and half floor beachfront apartments with ocean and lagoon views at Narrabeen, completed in 2023 by Pimas Gale Constructions.
State Significant Development application SSD-97833960 for demolition of existing structures, construction of 58 multi-dwelling houses and a 72-apartment residential flat building, including 5-7% affordable housing, plus concurrent rezoning from industrial land to R3 Medium Density Residential with an 18 m height control.
A residential community comprising 31 luxury townhomes and villas nestled in the foothills of Warriewood Valley. Designed by PopovBass with interiors by Alexa McGrath, the project recently achieved DA approval. The design embraces the native landscape and offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle close to the Northern Beaches.
A 195-hectare urban land release area planned for 2,544 dwellings and 3.7 hectares of employment generating land. The release area is being delivered in stages under the Warriewood Valley Strategic Review and Contributions Plan, funding local infrastructure including roads, parks, drainage and community facilities.
New $11.5 million multi-use community centre replacing the Nelson Heather Centre. Features five multi-purpose rooms, commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, community living room, outdoor spaces, and emergency/recovery centre capability with filtered ventilation system.
Boutique residential estate comprising 22 house and land packages in Warriewood, positioned within the broader Warriewood Valley growth area. The project is being marketed by Upstate Projects and is progressing through delivery, with homes being released to market.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 47 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 7, 2026 16, 2027 13, 2028 2, 2029 0, 2030 3, 2031 2, 2032 0, 2033 1, 2034 1, 2035 2. 25 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 69 substantial development applications lodged in and around Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights over the past 5 years, 61 in the last 12 months; 18 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 1, 2022 2, 2023 0, 2024 2, 2025 4, 2026 (to Oct) 60.
Key application 142 Ocean Street, Narrabeen Aged Care | $25m | 18 dwellings Under Assessment
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 69 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 61 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 2.0 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 25th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 22 | ABS building approvals | 34th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 29 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 18 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 include: Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment (Completed); Montecito Collaroy (Construction); 1129-1131 Pittwater Road Mixed Use (Approved); Ocean Breeze Apartments (Completed); and Mixed Use Development and Rezoning at 100 South Creek Road, Cromer (Under Assessment). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Transport & Logistics, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 39th percentile.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, placing the area among the bottom 16% of areas assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 area has seen 50 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2's current population of 11,612 has been supported by 22 approvals on average over recent years.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 22, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 has seen 110 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,612 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +3.3% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 3,829 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 90th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -0.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | 0.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 11,241 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 371 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 3.03 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 was estimated to be approximately 11,612 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 11,297 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The narrabeen - wheeler heights sa2 has added approximately 371 people and shown a 3.30% increase from the 11,241 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is estimated at 3,832 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.0% per annum.
Population growth in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (100.0%), Natural increase (0.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 100.0% of overall population gains.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 46 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 81st percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 25.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 14.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 23.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 46 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 9.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 10.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 12.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 9.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 5.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 at 46 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 46 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 46 years as at August 2026, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is 9 years older than the Greater Sydney 2021 Census average (37 years) and 8 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 9.3% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 12.6% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 show significant variance compared to Greater Sydney. The most over-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (5.8% vs 2.1%) and 75-84 year-olds (9.3% vs 5.3%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 14.3% of the population in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 25.3% of the population in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 76% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $67,394 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 78th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $103,073 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,998 | 2021 Census, weekly | 65th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,019 | 2021 Census, weekly | 80th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 31.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,696 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 21.0% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is approximately $71,694. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $67,394.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is approximately $109,649. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $103,073.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is approximately $71,694 compared to $67,214 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $67,394 and $63,183 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is approximately $109,649 compared to $92,214 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $103,073 and $86,684 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2's households (~28.1% / 1,275 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 28.1% of households. In comparison, Greater Sydney's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 30.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is $1,998/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is $2,696/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is $1,019/wk.
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2's median income among taxpayers is $67,394, with an average of $103,073. This is exceptionally high nationally, and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $63,183 and average of $86,684. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $71,694 (median) and $109,649 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is $6,894 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The narrabeen - wheeler heights sa2's disposable income is $6,894 compared to $7,412 for Greater Sydney, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 63.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 5,978 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 9,929 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 6,216 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 has approximately 5,978 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.8%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 stands at 3.8%, which is broadly in line with Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are construction (13.1% of employment), professional & technical (12.6%), and health care & social assistance (12.5%). Other significant employers include education & training and retail trade.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment increased and its unemployment rate dropped.
The workforce participation rate in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is 63.8%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Sydney average of 68.9%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The narrabeen - wheeler heights sa2 shows notable specialisation in construction, which employs 13.1% of the local workforce compared to 8.6% across Greater Sydney. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector.
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The narrabeen - wheeler heights sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 3.8% decline, ranking 32nd out of 37 regions nationally.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 23.6% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 6.6% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 33.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 22.8% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.9% | 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 14.0% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 30.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 24.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 4.2% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 7.6% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 6.6% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
33.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney.
30.0% of people aged 15 and over in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 34.2% in Greater Sydney.
The narrabeen - wheeler heights sa2 ranks in the 83th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (23.6%), Certificate (22.8%), Advanced Diploma (14.0%).
24.2% of the population in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 7.6% in primary school, 6.6% in secondary school, 4.2% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is 1100, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 5 schools within the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,229 students.
The narrabeen - wheeler heights sa2 includes 5 primary schools.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights features high concentrations of lone person households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Sydney.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.3 people | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 32.8% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 27.1% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 27.4% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 9.1% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 4,539 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 4,689 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 64.4% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.6 per family | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 had 4,539 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 3.3% to an estimated 4,689 households today.
The average household size in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is 2.3 people. This compares to 2.7 in Greater Sydney and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 64.4% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (32.8%), group households (2.7%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,923 family households, couples with children account for 27.1% of all households, couples without children at home 27.4%, and single parent families 9.1%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Sydney, the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 32.8% (versus 23.2% in Greater Sydney). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 64.4% compared to 72.6% in Greater Sydney. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 have an average of 1.6 children, slightly above the Greater Sydney average of 1.5. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 44.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 30.5% have never married. This compares to 48.3% married and 36.4% never married across Greater Sydney.
Single-person households represent 32.8% of all households in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, higher than the average for Greater Sydney of 23.2%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.7% of households, below the Greater Sydney average of 4.2%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 25.2% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 89.2% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 88.3% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 74.8% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.6% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
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 was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.3% of people in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights. This compares to 49.2% 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 Greater Sydney's 19.0%, Australian, comprising 24.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Sydney's 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% across Greater Sydney), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 0.7%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).
25.2% of the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 40.5% across Greater Sydney.
10.8% of the population in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 39.5% in Greater Sydney.
0.6% of the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.3% in Greater Sydney.
88.3% of the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 80.8% in Greater Sydney.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 35.8% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 33.5% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 51.1% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,817 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 94th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 30.7% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 15.6% | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $580 | 2021 Census, weekly | 96th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 29.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 94th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 32.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 94th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 1.0 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
In the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, 33.5% of homes are owned outright, 30.7% are owned with a mortgage, and 35.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 32.7% of dwellings in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 are houses.
In the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, 51.1% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 15.6% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 stands at 33.5%, compared to 28.7% in Greater Sydney.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is $2,817, compared to $2,427 in Greater Sydney.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is $1,764, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 32.5% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 29.0% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 is 1.0, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 32.5% of income on repayments (vs 27.0% in Greater Sydney), while renters spend 29.0% of income on rent (vs 22.6% in Greater Sydney).
The dwelling mix in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 consists of 32.7% detached houses, 15.6% semi-detached dwellings, 51.1% apartments, and 0.5% other dwelling types.
Housing in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights consumes approximately 20.4% of median household income ($8,651 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights show attached dwellings contributing 8% of approvals compared to 67% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 92% of applications versus 33% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights: private health cover 70.1%, no long-term health condition 67.5%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 70.1% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 92nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 67.5% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 7.8% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 80.4% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.6% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
Around 70.1% of people in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.8% in Greater Sydney.
In the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, 7.8% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.2% of people in Greater Sydney require similar assistance.
6.0% of people in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.4% of the population across Greater Sydney is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 3.3% of the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 population, while in Greater Sydney, 4.3% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.7% of people in the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Sydney,3.2% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2, 70.1% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Sydney sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.8%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 97 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 97th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 72 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 58th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 6,993 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 88th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 157 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 81 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.2 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 43.8% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 72 public transport stops within the Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2.
The Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 has 6,993 weekly trips across 81 routes, averaging 999 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 124 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 256 m away and the nearest school 427 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 72 stops nearby, 6,993 weekly trips, access rating 97 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 34 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 34th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 256 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 427 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 461 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 518 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 597 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 606 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 785 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 2.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 3.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 4.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 5.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 235 places in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, about 2.5 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, placing the area among the bottom 16% of areas assessed nationally.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights's sought-after property market has recorded 215 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 98% residential and 2% commercial transactions.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 76% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights features high concentrations of lone person households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Sydney.
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 features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights: private health cover 70.1%, no long-term health condition 67.5%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has an estimated 11,612 residents, up 3.3% since the 2021 Census, with 108 projects tracked in the area around Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Dec 2025. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (122031697). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Dec 2025) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
