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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, South Coogee's population is around 5,750 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 139 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,611 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,750 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5,088 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Over the past decade, South Coogee has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 523 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 9.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 12 residential properties granted approval annually, with 64 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $695,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

When measured against Greater Sydney, South Coogee has 16.0% less new development (per person) while it places among the 36th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 527 people per dwelling approval, South Coogee shows a developed market.

Population forecasts indicate South Coogee will gain 523 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Woomera Reserve Upgrade - Little Bay, Sydney Metro Eastern Suburbs Extension, Google Pacific Connect - Tabua and Honomoana Cable Landing Infrastructure, and the South Coogee to Lurline Bay Coastal Walk Connection, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 11.6%, and 4.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,682 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 7.4% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 54.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.7% versus the regional average of 5.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and the labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within South Coogee. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Coogee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the South Coogee SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $77,466 with the average level standing at $124,312. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $84,329 (median) and $135,326 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in South Coogee cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 32.8% of the population (1,885 individuals) fall within the $4000+ 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 while 41.0% exceed $3,000, creating a mixed socioeconomic profile. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within South Coogee, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within South Coogee was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 25.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.0%) or rented (48.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $4,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $207, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, South Coogee's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in South Coogee significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+ – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (13.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 27 active transport stops operating within South Coogee, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 3,308 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 125 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 9% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 54.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 472 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 122 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (4,594 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.6% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 71.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,068 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 the vast majority of local markets, with 24.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.5% born overseas. The main religion in South Coogee is Christianity, which makes up 55.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 6.8% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in South Coogee are English, comprising 21.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of South Coogee (vs 0.4% regionally), French at 1.7% (vs 0.5%) and Hungarian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

South Coogee's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in South Coogee is significantly above Greater Sydney's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 13.2% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.9% to 14.0% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 13.8% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for South Coogee. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 58% (463 people), reaching 1,256 from 792. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.