Brookvale

Population growth drivers in Brookvale are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Brookvale is estimated at around 3,896. This reflects an increase of 507 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,389. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,862, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,770 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Brookvale's growth rate of 15.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Brookvale is expected to grow by 108 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 1.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Brookvale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Brookvale recorded approximately 23 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 118 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY-26. On average, 1 person moved to the area per dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,054,000, suggesting focus on premium market developments. In FY-26, $47.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Sydney, Brookvale has 128.0% higher new home approvals per person. New building activity comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% attached dwellings, offering varied housing choices.

Despite current Census patterns showing 18.0% detached housing, demand for family homes remains robust in Brookvale. The area reflects developing trends with around 124 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 74 residents by 2041, with current development patterns expected to meet demand and potentially facilitate further growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Warringah Mall Mixed Use Redevelopment, Brookvale Structure Plan Implementation, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence, and Northern Beaches Bus Network Improvements. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Brookvale exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Brookvale has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation and a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 2,408 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 74.2%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 70.2%.

Census responses indicate that 36.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Notably, other services have a high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety has limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to 5.7% regionally.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 2.5 workers per resident, acting as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brookvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Brookvale suburb has a median taxpayer income of $61,202 and an average income of $109,466 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 in the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $66,624 and an average income of $119,165, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Brookvale rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 86th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 38.9% of the community (1,515 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, which is similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 22.5% of income in Brookvale, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Brookvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 18.4% houses and 81.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Sydney metro, meanwhile, had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brookvale was at 16.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (38.3%) or rented (45.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent was $550, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Brookvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.7% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.3%, consisting of 32.4% lone person households and 5.1% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 37.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas constitute 11.7% while certificates make up 21.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 6.5% in primary, 5.4% in tertiary, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Brookvale shows that there are currently 34 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 89 individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 8,585 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport in Brookvale is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 257 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation for these trips, used by 68% of residents.

Walking and public bus transportation follow, accounting for 13% and 11% of trips respectively. The average vehicle ownership in Brookvale is 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, at 36.9%, work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 1,226 trips per day, equating to approximately 252 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Brookvale is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Brookvale demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (2,729 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.5% and 6.8% of residents respectively. 74.4% of residents declare themselves 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 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (533 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Brookvale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Brookvale, comprising 46.1% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.8% of Brookvale's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.8%), Australian (16.7%), and Other (16.3%). Notably, French (1.3%) Spanish (1.1%), and South Australian (1.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Brookvale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Brookvale's median age in 2021 was 37 years, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 20.1% of Brookvale's population, higher than Greater Sydney but lower than the national average of 14.4%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort made up 6.0% of Brookvale's population. Between 2021 and the present day, several age groups have experienced changes in their proportional representation within Brookvale's population: - The 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.3% to 12.9% - The 65 to 74 cohort increased from 6.6% to 7.9% - Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 7.9% to 6.0% - The 25 to 34 group decreased from 21.3% to 20.1% By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Brookvale's age structure: - The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 123%, reaching 217 people from a starting point of 97 - Those aged 65 and above will account for 93% of the projected population growth - Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.