Chatswood West

An assessment of population growth drivers in Chatswood West 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, as of Nov 2025, the Chatswood West statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 1,617. This reflects a growth of 96 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,521. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,585 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,996 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's rate of 5.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 78.0% 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. Future population trends project an above median growth of national statistical areas, with the area expected to grow by 244 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chatswood West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers, Chatswood West has seen approximately one dwelling receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling around eight homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY26. This translates to an average of 10.2 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically drives buyer competition and pricing pressures. Commercial development approvals this year amount to $957,000, suggesting a primary focus on residential development.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood West has significantly less development activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person, which usually reinforces demand for existing dwellings. This trend is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a significant shift from the current housing mix of 94.0% houses. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Chatswood West's population to grow by 304 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Looking ahead, Chatswood West is expected to grow by 304 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

Chatswood West has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Sydney Metro City & Southwest Extension, North Sydney to Northern Beaches Capacity Improvements, 101 Eton Road Residential Development, and Lane Cove Tunnel. The following list details those most relevant.

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The employment environment in Chatswood West shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Chatswood West has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%.

As of September 2025891 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 62.2%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.6 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance sectors. However, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, labour force grew by 1.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points in Chatswood West. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment. State-level data from NSW to November 25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chatswood West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Chatswood West had an extremely high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Chatswood West was $56,929 and the average income stood at $93,355. These figures compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Chatswood West would be approximately $61,973 (median) and $101,626 (average) as of September 2025. Census data revealed that household, family and personal incomes in Chatswood West ranked highly nationally, between the 83rd and 97th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 41.7% of the population (674 individuals) fell within the $4000+ income range, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (52.6% above $3,000/week) indicated strong economic capacity throughout Chatswood West. Housing accounted for 15.0% of income while strong earnings ranked residents within the 97th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

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

In Chatswood West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas where 41.1% were houses and 58.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatswood West stood at 46.5%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 16.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,000, higher than the Sydney metro average of $3,033. Median weekly rent in Chatswood West was $750, compared to Sydney's $560. Nationally, Chatswood West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 83.8% of all households, including 49.1% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.2%, with lone person households at 12.9% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Chatswood West demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Chatswood West is notable, with 54.8% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational pathways account for 21.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas comprising 10.3% and certificates making up 11.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chatswood West has 22 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by four different routes, offering a total of 441 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 97 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Each route provides an average of 63 daily trips, equating to about 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Chatswood West shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 64% (1,030 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 79.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 6.4% and 5.3% of residents respectively. A total of 76.9% report no medical ailments, close to Greater Sydney's 78.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.3% (328 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Chatswood West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 37.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chatswood West, accounting for 45.8% of people. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, with 1.2% of Chatswood West's population identifying as such.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Chinese (19.7%), and Australian (15.9%). There are also notable differences in the representation of French (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.4%), and Dutch (2.3% vs regional 0.9%) ethnic groups.

Chatswood West's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Chatswood West is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 10.6% of the population in Chatswood West, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Sydney. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort makes up 7.8% of the population, which is less prevalent than in Greater Sydney. According to post-2021 Census data, the 0-4 age group has declined from 5.0% to 3.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Chatswood West. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 71%, reaching 188 people from its current figure of 109. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.