Woolooware - Burraneer

Population growth drivers in Woolooware - Burraneer are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Woolooware - Burraneer's population is around 9,563 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 616 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,947 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,535 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 342 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,871 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Woolooware - Burraneer's 6.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.0%) 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 40.9% 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 utilizes 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,397 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 24.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Woolooware - Burraneer among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Woolooware - Burraneer has recorded around 103 residential properties granted approval annually, with 518 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 41 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data shows this has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $266,000 —below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $185.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Woolooware - Burraneer has 73.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity shows 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 60.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 215 people per approval, Woolooware - Burraneer reflects a transitioning market.

Population forecasts indicate Woolooware - Burraneer will gain 2,369 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Woolooware - Burraneer 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, 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include St Aloysius College Cronulla Expansion, VUE Cronulla, Woolooware Bay Town Centre, and Caringbah Pavilion, 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 analysis of employment trends sees Woolooware - Burraneer performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Woolooware - Burraneer features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 0.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,703 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 43.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 11.5% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 14.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while the labour force increased by 0.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 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 Woolooware - Burraneer. 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 Woolooware - Burraneer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% 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 Woolooware - Burraneer SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Woolooware - Burraneer SA2's median income among taxpayers is $69,349 and the average income stands at $105,973, 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 $75,493 (median) and $115,362 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Woolooware - Burraneer, between the 88th and 91st percentiles nationally. The data shows the $4000+ earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (2,954 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 44.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 91st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Woolooware - Burraneer displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Woolooware - Burraneer, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.7% houses and 40.4% 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 Woolooware - Burraneer was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 38.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.9%) or rented (20.9%). 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 $550, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Woolooware - Burraneer's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Woolooware - Burraneer has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.9% of all households, comprising 38.6% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

At 33.4%, university qualification levels in Woolooware - Burraneer sit marginally below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (21.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 5.1% 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 86 active transport stops operating within Woolooware - Burraneer, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 32 individual routes, collectively providing 3,088 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 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 43.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 441 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Woolooware - Burraneer'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 Woolooware - Burraneer, 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 73% of the total population (6,990 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 arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 75.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,897 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Woolooware - Burraneer ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woolooware - Burraneer was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.0% being citizens, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Woolooware - Burraneer is Christianity, which makes up 63.1% of people in the area. This compares to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Woolooware - Burraneer are English, comprising 29.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 26.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Woolooware - Burraneer (vs 0.7% regionally), Macedonian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Greek at 2.4% (vs 1.9%).

Woolooware - Burraneer's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Woolooware - Burraneer is somewhat higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (12.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.9%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.1% to 6.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.2% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Woolooware - Burraneer's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 460 people (40%) from 1,151 to 1,612. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 7% (37 people).