Beacon Hill

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Beacon Hill's population is estimated at around 7,836 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 22 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,814 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,832, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,711 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 88.0% 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, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Beacon Hill's population expected to decline by 83 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 217 people.

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

Beacon Hill has received approximately 28 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. This totals an estimated 142 homes from FY-19 to FY-23. By June 2026, 19 approvals have been recorded in Beacon Hill for FY-26. Despite a decline in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with diverse buyer options.

The average construction cost of new homes is $542,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium segment and upmarket properties. Additionally, $2.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting Beacon Hill's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Beacon Hill has experienced elevated construction activity, with 22.0% more approvals per person over the past five years, while still being below the national average, indicating an established area potentially limited by planning restrictions. Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Beacon Hill's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 340 people per approval, Beacon Hill reflects a low-density area. Given stable or declining population projections, housing demand pressures in Beacon Hill are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

Beacon Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones being the Beacon Hill Reserve Masterplan and Sportsfield Upgrade, Northern Beaches Bus Network Improvements, Beacon Hill Road Mixed-Use Precinct (Potential), and Brookvale Structure Plan Implementation.

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

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The employment landscape in Beacon Hill shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Beacon Hill has an educated workforce with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4,257 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.3% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation matches Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 45.3% work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 3.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local job opportunities, as shown by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Beacon Hill's labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment declined by 1.3%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beacon Hill's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Beacon Hill suburb's income is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $65,858 and the average income stands at $101,917. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,693 (median) and $110,947 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 96th percentile ($2,937 weekly). The earnings profile shows that 35.1% of locals fall into the $4000+ category, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 49.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 95th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Beacon Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Beacon Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.5% houses and 10.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beacon Hill stood at 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 16.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,250, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Beacon Hill was recorded at $730, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Beacon Hill's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Beacon Hill features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 85.9% of all households, including 51.6% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.1%, with lone person households at 12.0% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Beacon Hill places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational qualifications in Beacon Hill trail regional benchmarks, with 35.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees compared to 41.5% in the SA4 region as of 2021 data. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 19.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest census data. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Beacon Hill has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 49 different routes that together facilitate 3,572 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 220 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, and cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 89%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in Beacon Hill, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 45.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 510 trips per day, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

Beacon Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Beacon Hill's health outcomes show impressive results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 67% of Beacon Hill's total population (5,257 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.4% and 5.9% of residents respectively. Notably, 74.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Beacon Hill has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,363 people), which is higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Beacon Hill was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Beacon Hill, surveyed in June 2016, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 30.1% of residents born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 57.3% of Beacon Hill's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.9%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Serbian was higher at 0.8% (vs regional 0.5%), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.4%), and Italian at 7.9% (vs 3.4%).

Beacon Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

Beacon Hill's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Beacon Hill at 13.5%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 16.0% of Beacon Hill's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.9% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Beacon Hill's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 39%, adding 185 residents to reach 663. Residents aged 65 and older will represent all of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts.