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

Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 11,474. This figure represents an increase of 233 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,241. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,215 in June 2024 and the addition of 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 3,786 persons per square kilometer, placing Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 2.1% since the census is within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.2%, indicating strong population fundamentals driven primarily by overseas migration. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights is expected to grow by 444 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of 1.6% 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 FY-21 and FY-25113 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that the new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $394,000. In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 12th percentile nationally, indicating relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This activity is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 46% detached houses and 54% medium to high-density housing, favouring compact living which offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 1307 people per dwelling approval, Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 185 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 15 infrastructure projects that could impact a particular area. Notable projects include The Narrabeen Village, Narrabeen Lakeside Estate, Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment, and Montecito Collaroy. The following list details those expected to have the most significance.

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 has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.8% as of September 2025. There are 5,818 residents employed, with the area's unemployment rate at 0.6% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment include construction, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional average. Finance & insurance shows lower representation at 4.6% versus the regional average of 7.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6%, employment declined by 3.0%, leading to a 2.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, favourable to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights' employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.9% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,874 and an average of $92,882. These figures are significantly higher than national averages. In Greater Sydney, the median was $56,994 with an average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,424 (median) and $104,594 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 28.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,224 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Notably, 31.7% earn above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Despite high housing costs consuming 20.4% of income, disposable income remains 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

In Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights, as per the latest Census, 32.7% of dwellings were houses while 67.2% were other types such as semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights was similar to Sydney metro at 33.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented dwellings at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,817, lower than Sydney metro's $3,000. Weekly rent median was $580 compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,817 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $580 compared to 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 constitute 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 account for 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

In Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights as of 2016, 33.1% of residents aged 15 and above held university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees were most common at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials were held by 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 14.0% and certificates at 22.8%.

A total of 24.2% of the population was actively pursuing formal education in 2016, including 7.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 79 different routes that collectively facilitate 6,505 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 124 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 929 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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 has significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts. The area has approximately 68% of its total population (7,825 people) with private health cover, compared to 71.5% in Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 67.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% in Greater Sydney.

The area has 26.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,064 people), higher than the 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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 has a cultural diversity above average, with 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Narrabeen-Wheeler Heights, comprising 55.3% of people. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 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 divergences: French is overrepresented at 0.9% (vs regional 1.1%), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.4%), and Welsh remains at 0.7%.

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

The median age in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights is 46 years, which is notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 75-84 age cohort is significantly over-represented at 10.1% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 11.4% to 12.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 13.1% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Narrabeen - Wheeler Heights. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, with an increase of 564 people (77%), from 734 to 1,299. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 96% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.