St Leonards - Naremburn

St Leonards - Naremburn lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, St Leonards - Naremburn's population is around 13,489 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,586 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,903 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,483 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 895 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,887 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. St Leonards - Naremburn's 13.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 69.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 5,988 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 44.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees St Leonards - Naremburn among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

St Leonards - Naremburn has averaged around 48 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 243 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $371,000. Additionally, $375.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Sydney, St Leonards - Naremburn has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 42nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New development consists of 8.0% detached houses and 92.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 1069 people per dwelling approval, St Leonards - Naremburn reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, St Leonards - Naremburn is expected to grow by 5,982 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

St Leonards - Naremburn has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 73 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Park Avenue Residences St Leonards, St Leonards Telstra Exchange Mixed-Use Tower, Waterstone, St Leonards, and the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) Campus Master Plan, 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions St Leonards - Naremburn ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

St Leonards - Naremburn features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 0.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,954 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (79.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 67.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.2% versus the regional average of 8.6%. With 2.9 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% and labour force increased by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within St Leonards - Naremburn. 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 St Leonards - Naremburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The St Leonards - Naremburn SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The St Leonards - Naremburn SA2's median income among taxpayers is $84,713 and the average income stands at $121,405, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $92,219 (median) and $132,161 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in St Leonards - Naremburn, between the 94th and 98th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 33.8% of the population (4,559 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (47.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout St Leonards - Naremburn. High housing costs consume 18.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 92nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

St Leonards - Naremburn features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within St Leonards - Naremburn, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 16.8% houses and 83.2% 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 St Leonards - Naremburn was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 20.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.5%) or rented (55.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $600, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, St Leonards - Naremburn's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

St Leonards - Naremburn features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 60.3% of all households, comprising 23.8% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 6.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 5.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

St Leonards - Naremburn shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in St Leonards - Naremburn significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 66.6% 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 41.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational pathways account for 17.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (7.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 6.6% in tertiary education, and 4.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 36 active transport stops operating within St Leonards - Naremburn, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 49 individual routes, collectively providing 12,540 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 50%, with 20% by train and 19% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 67.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,791 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 348 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Leonards - Naremburn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across St Leonards - Naremburn, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 79% of the total population (10,629 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 asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.3% and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 79.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,633 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

St Leonards - Naremburn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

St Leonards - Naremburn scores highly on cultural diversity, with 37.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.1% born overseas. The main religion in St Leonards - Naremburn is Christianity, which makes up 37.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in St Leonards - Naremburn are English, comprising 19.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.4% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 15.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of St Leonards - Naremburn (vs 0.4% regionally), Korean at 1.6% (vs 1.1%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

St Leonards - Naremburn's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, St Leonards - Naremburn is equal to the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 21.4% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.0%. This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.2% to 9.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.7% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 23.7% to 21.4% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 6.5% to 5.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in St Leonards - Naremburn's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 53% (951 people), reaching 2,735 from 1,783.