Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

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' population is approximately 11,353 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 112 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,241. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,215 in June 2024 and 53 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density of 3,746 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's 1.0% growth since the census compares favorably with its SA4 region (3.1%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 using a base year of 2021 are employed. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas until 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 444 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 2.7% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 22 new homes approved annually. Between the financial years FY-21 and FY-25113 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY-26. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choices for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $717,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% medium to high-density housing.

This skew towards 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 that Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights will gain 306 residents by 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects potentially affecting this region. Notable projects include Montecito Collaroy, Stuart & Ramsay Streets Coastal Protection Works, 1010-1014 Pittwater Road Mixed Use Development, and 1129-1131 Pittwater Road Mixed Use Development. The following details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 4.0%, 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

There are 5,921 residents employed, with workforce participation similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries include construction, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Construction is particularly strong, at 1.5 times the regional level. Finance & insurance, however, shows lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

Locally, there appear to be limited employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.0%, while employment declined by 1.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights' employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights' median income among taxpayers was $59,874, with an average of $92,882. Nationally, this is high; Greater Sydney's median was $56,994 and average was $80,856. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $66,221 (median) and $102,727 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights' household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.1% earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,190 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region's 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 31.7%, earns above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity. High housing costs consume 20.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. 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

As of the latest Census, in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, 32.7% of dwellings were houses while 67.2% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures which stood at 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings respectively. Home ownership in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights was recorded at 33.5%, aligning with the Sydney metro average. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (35.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,817, lower than the Sydney metro average of $3,000. The median weekly rent figure stood at $580, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights' median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 64.4% of all households, including 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 is 2.3 people, which 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

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (22.8%). A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 7.6% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

The area's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,229 students and demonstrate socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1100. All 5 schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. There are 10.8 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 16.2. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has 45 active public transport stops. These stops offer a mix of bus services. There are 79 individual routes operating in total, providing 6,505 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility rating for transport is excellent, with residents typically located just 124 meters from the nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 929 trips per day, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (7,742 people), compared to 71.5% across Greater Sydney, which is higher than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6 and 7.8% of residents respectively.

However, 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% across Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.7% (3,032 people), compared to 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights has a cultural diversity index above average, with 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights, comprising 55.3% of its population. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.4% versus 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (31.4%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (9.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French (0.9% vs regional 1.1%), Dutch (1.7% vs 1.4%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%) are overrepresented in Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights compared to Greater Sydney.

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

The median age in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is 46 years, which exceeds Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and is also higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Locally, the cohort aged 75-84 is notably over-represented at 10.1%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.1%. Between the Census conducted on August 10, 2021 and this date, the population of Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights has changed: the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 12.2%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights. The population aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 572 people (an increase of 79%), from 726 to 1,299. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 95% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 25-34 and 15-24 are expected to experience population declines.