South Coogee

An assessment of population growth drivers in South Coogee reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

South Coogee's population was approximately 5,748 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 137 people from the 2021 Census count of 5,611, reflecting a growth rate of 2.4%. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 5,750, with two additional validated addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 5,086 persons per square kilometer, placing South Coogee among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, South Coogee has shown consistent growth with an average annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 92.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia estimates released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, South Coogee is expected to grow by approximately 523 persons by the year 2041, reflecting a total gain of around 9.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in South Coogee, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

South Coogee has recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 64 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26.

The area has experienced population decline, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,095,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. Compared to Greater Sydney, South Coogee has 16.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, suggesting maturity in the area and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% attached dwellings, promoting denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 527 people per dwelling approval, South Coogee indicates a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, South Coogee is forecasted to gain 525 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

South Coogee has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting the area: Woomera Reserve Upgrade - Little Bay, Sydney Metro Eastern Suburbs Extension. Other notable projects include Google Pacific Connect - Tabua and Honomoana Cable Landing Infrastructure, South Coogee to Lurline Bay Coastal Walk Connection. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The labour market performance in South Coogee lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

South Coogee has a highly educated workforce with the technology sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 11.2% as of June 2025, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.7%. As of June 2025, 2,736 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 55.7%, lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety (1.4 times the regional level) but has lower representation in manufacturing (2.7% vs regional average of 5.7%).

Employment levels increased by 6.7% during the year to June 2025 while labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 3.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting South Coogee's employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, South Coogee SA2 had median income among taxpayers at $77,979 and average income at $130,664. These figures place South Coogee in the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates suggest median income at approximately $87,812 and average income at $147,141 as of September 2025. Data from the 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in South Coogee cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.8% of South Coogee's population (1,885 individuals) fall within the $40,000+ income range, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. This suburb exhibits notable income diversity, with 31.9% earning under $800 weekly and 41.0% exceeding $3,000, indicating a mixed socioeconomic profile. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, though strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

South Coogee features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Coogee's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's 26.9% houses and 73.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Coogee stood at 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.0% and rented ones at 48.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $4,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,033. Median weekly rent in South Coogee was $207, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, South Coogee's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially lower at $375.

South Coogee features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.3% of all households, including 35.3% that are couples with children, 17.9% that are couples without children, and 11.2% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.4.

South Coogee shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

South Coogee has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 44.9% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the state average for NSW of 32.2%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its residents' qualifications, with bachelor degrees being the most common (28.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational pathways are also well-represented, accounting for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 13.0%.

Educational participation in the area is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Coogee has 26 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 2,126 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 125 meters, indicating excellent accessibility to public transport.

The total daily service frequency across all routes is 303 trips, resulting in approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in South Coogee is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

South Coogee shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 81% (4,667 people), exceeding Greater Sydney's 70.6%. Nationally, this figure is 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 7.6% and arthritis impacts 6.9% of residents. A total of 71.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Sydney. The area has 18.3% (1,050 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

South Coogee was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Coogee was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 24.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.5% born overseas. The dominant religion in South Coogee is Christianity, comprising 55.3% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 6.8% compared to 4.4% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (21.3%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (12.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Russian is overrepresented at 2.0% (vs regional 1.1%), French at 1.7% (vs 1.5%), and Hungarian remains at 0.6%.

South Coogee's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in South Coogee is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years has a strong representation at 12.8% compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 11.6%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.6%, and the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.9% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.1%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for South Coogee indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 55% (447 people), reaching a total of 1,256 from 808. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.