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, reflecting an increase of 137 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,611. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,750 in June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 5,086 persons per square kilometer, placing South Coogee in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in 2021, South Coogee had a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.4% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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 uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group 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 2041, reflecting a 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 an additional 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 well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $695,000, 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 more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% attached dwellings, showing a trend toward 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, the area 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 expected to influence the region: Woomera Reserve Upgrade - Little Bay, Sydney (scheduled for completion in 2023), and Sydney Metro Eastern Suburbs Extension (anticipated to finish by 2024). Other notable projects include Google Pacific Connect - Tabua and Honomoana Cable Landing Infrastructure, and South Coogee to Lurline Bay Coastal Walk Connection. The following list highlights those most relevant to the area.

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

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

South Coogee has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 11.9% as of September 2025.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.8% over the past year. As of September 2025, 2,660 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 7.7%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in South Coogee was 55.7%, below Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Public administration & safety shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing has lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose by 0.2%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Coogee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

In South Coogee SA2, median income among taxpayers was $77,979 and average income was $130,664 in financial year 2022. This places it in the top percentile nationally compared to Greater Sydney's levels of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $87,812 and average income will be around $147,141 based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in South Coogee cluster at the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 32.8% of the population earn over $4,000 annually (1,885 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan Sydney where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. The suburb exhibits income diversity; 31.9% earn under $800 weekly while 41.0% exceed $3,000 weekly, indicating a mixed socioeconomic profile. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but 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 structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Sydney metro's 26.9% houses and 73.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Coogee was at 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.0% and rented dwellings 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 $4,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $207 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 65.3% of all households, including 35.3% couples with children, 17.9% couples without children, and 11.2% 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, which is 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 surpasses both the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. The area's residents have a significant educational advantage, which positions them well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%).

Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.5% and certificates 13.0%. Educational participation is notably high in South Coogee, 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, totalling 21 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 2,126 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in South Coogee is rated excellent, with residents typically located 125 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 303 trips per day, equating to 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 exhibits superior health outcomes among both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 81% of the total population (4,667 people), surpassing Greater Sydney's average of 70.6%. Nationally, this figure is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in South Coogee, affecting 7.6% and 6.9% of residents respectively. A total of 71.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 76.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.3%, with 1,050 individuals falling into this age category. This is greater than the 15.1% observed in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in South Coogee are above average and align with the general population's health 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, as per the Australian Census 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 24.1% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 34.5% being born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in South Coogee, accounting for 55.3%. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented at 6.8%, compared to 4.4% across Greater Sydney.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (21.3%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (12.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Russian was overrepresented at 2.0% (vs regional 1.1%), French at 1.7% (vs 1.5%), and Hungarian at 0.6% (vs 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 55-64 age group constitutes 12.8% of the population in South Coogee, compared to Greater Sydney. The 25-34 age group makes up 11.6%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Sydney. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.6%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.5% to 14.1%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in South Coogee, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 55% (447 people), reaching 1,256 from 809. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.