Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Chatswood West is $2.65m. House values have moved 5.3% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Chatswood West has an estimated 1,559 residents, up from 1,521 at the 2021 Census — a change of 38 people, or 2.5%. That puts 1,925 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on scrutiny of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Chatswood West has an estimated population of 1,559 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 38 people (2.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,521 people. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 1,556, which was estimated by AreaSearch after examining the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 1 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This population level yields a density ratio of 1,924 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations analyzed by AreaSearch. Population growth in the area was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 78.0% of the overall population gains during recent times. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, published in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at future population projections, a population increase slightly below the national median for statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb of Chatswood West expected to grow by 189 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a total expansion of 11.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Only 2 dwelling approvals have been recorded in Chatswood West over the last five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where vacant land for new construction is scarce. For buyers, this limited volume of new housing supply generally supports property values and implies that buying competition is concentrated on existing homes. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood West has a much lower volume of development activity. This constrained new supply typically supports heightened demand and stronger values for established properties. This rate of activity is also below the national average, highlighting the established profile of the area and pointing to potential planning constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chatswood West
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 95 current infrastructure and development projects close to Chatswood West, worth an estimated $15.8 billion. 15 are already under construction and 35 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning decisions can significantly affect how a suburb performs. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely impact on the suburb. Notable projects in the wider region include North Sydney To Northern Beaches Capacity Improvements, 101 Eton Road Residential Development, Lane Cove Tunnel, and Sydney Metro West, with the list below detailing those that are most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Transport Oriented Development - Lindfield Precinct
The Lindfield Precinct is part of NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program, accelerating housing supply within 400 metres of high-frequency rail stations. Ku-ring-gai Council's alternative TOD plan was formally gazetted on 14 November 2025, replacing the original state-led controls with tailored local provisions under the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan 2015. The alternative plan allows high-density mixed-use development in the station precinct with building heights between 6 and 24 storeys, while providing stronger protections for heritage conservation areas, tree canopy, and appropriate density transitions.The scheme enables capacity for approximately 24,728 homes across the four Ku-ring-gai TOD precincts (Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville). Council resolved on 18 November 2025 to discontinue its Land and Environment Court challenge against the original state TOD SEPP, with both parties bearing their own costs. Development applications are now proceeding under the new council-led controls, with multiple projects approved or in the pipeline at Lindfield.
Mindarie Street Social Housing Development
NSW Land and Housing Corporation development at 20-22 Mindarie Street and 30 Pinaroo Place. A 21m high development providing affordable housing units with sustainable design features and community spaces. Part of the NSW Government's social housing acceleration program.
Rosewood Residences
Residential development at 6 Maclaurin Parade, Roseville featuring contemporary design and premium amenities. Located in sought-after Roseville area with quality finishes and landscaped surroundings.
Lachlan's Line Building A (24-storey)
The Macquarie Collection (Building A) is a 24-storey residential tower within the Lachlan's Line precinct. Developed by Landmark Group and designed by AJC Architects, the tower comprises 234 apartments and five basement levels with 245 parking spaces. The project is a major component of the transit-oriented urban renewal at Macquarie Park, featuring sustainable design, landscaped communal areas, and direct connectivity to the North Ryde Metro. Construction is in advanced stages with completion targeted for late 2026.
Lane Cove North Affordable Housing Project
Five-storey residential flat building with 86 affordable dwellings (43 social housing and 43 affordable housing), semi-basement/at-grade parking for 42 vehicles, bicycle parking, landscaping and public domain improvements. State Significant Development SSD-71687208 approved 16 June 2025.
Lane Cove Industrial Complex
A $46 million industrial complex approved by Sydney North Planning Panel. Developed by Eton Huang with Architex design, the development includes a contemporary light industrial building with 19 industrial units totalling 7,520 sqm GFA, plus 44 self-storage units and 244 parking spaces over three basement levels. Large contemporary light industrial complex accommodating various business and technology operations.
Chatswood Grand Residences
The CBD's largest residential development in the last decade featuring 332 new homes across two 36-storey mixed-use residential towers with 308 apartments plus 24 live-work units. Includes on-site 80-place childcare centre, retail and dining facilities, premium resort-style amenities including luxe swimming pool, spa, sauna, BBQ areas, outdoor gym and wellness space.
Coronation Archer Street Chatswood
A $250 million, 32-storey State Significant Development delivering over 150 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, including 41 affordable units. Ground-level podium provides approximately 2,500sqm of retail and commercial space. A heritage-listed building on site is sensitively restored for fine dining and wellness uses, complemented by communal landscaped open space. Designed by Woods Bagot. Groundbreaking occurred April 2025 with completion targeted Q1 2027.
817 residents of Chatswood West are employed, from a labour force of 837. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 65.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,327, about 85% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chatswood West has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector being notably well-represented, an unemployment rate of only 2.4%, and relatively stable employment conditions over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026817 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 1.7% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is somewhat below the benchmark (65.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Based on Census responses, a high proportion of 60.8% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.
The primary employment industries for local residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. The area is highly specialized in professional & technical services, with a workforce share that is 1.6 times the regional benchmark. On the other hand, transport, postal & warehousing has a lower presence at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. This mostly residential community seems to provide few local jobs, as shown by the comparison between the Census working population and the resident population. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical regions, employment grew by 0.5% during the 12 months to March 2026, while the labour force remained stable with change of exactly zero, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 1.9%, the labour force grow by 1.9%, and unemployment decrease slightly. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional context regarding future demand in Chatswood West. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been matched with the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of expansion vary greatly by industry. Applying these industry-specific projections to the employment composition of Chatswood West suggests local employment is set to grow by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chatswood West is $3,121 a week (about $162,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,057 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $56,929 a year against an average of $93,355. The average runs 64% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Chatswood West has income levels that rank among the highest in Australia, based on the latest financial year 2023 ATO data compiled by AreaSearch. The median taxpayer income in the area is $56,929 and the average income is $93,355, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $62,804 (median) and $102,989 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family, and individual incomes in Chatswood West are all positioned high nationally, falling between the 83rd and 97th percentiles.
The earnings distribution shows that the $4000+ weekly bracket accounts for 41.7% of the community (650 individuals), contrasting with regional trends where the $1,500 - 2,999 range dominates at 30.9%. The suburb exhibits notable wealth, with 52.6% of people earning more than $3,000 weekly, which helps sustain high-end retail and services. Housing costs consume 15.0% of income, and strong earnings place residents in the 97th percentile for disposable income, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chatswood West had 505 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 1% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 16% rented and 47% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $750 a week and the median mortgage repayment $4,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 97% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 24.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 29.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Chatswood West consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative homes), compared to the Sydney metropolitan distribution of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Chatswood West stood at 46.5%, which is well above the Sydney metropolitan average, with the remaining homes being either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (16.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the suburb was $4,000, which is significantly above the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $750 compared to the metropolitan average of $470.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Chatswood West are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chatswood West counted 505 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 3.0 people each. 49% are couples with children, more than in 94% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 13% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the vast majority at 83.8% of all households, consisting of 49.1% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 8.1% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.2%, with single-person households at 12.9% and group households representing 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 individuals is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
54.8% of adults in Chatswood West hold a university qualification, including 33.2% with a bachelor degree and 18.4% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 11.2% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Academic achievement in Chatswood West is substantially higher than broader averages, with 54.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% across NSW. This high level of education positions the local workforce well for opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational education accounts for 21.5% of qualifications for those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (11.2%). Participation in education is high, with 31.7% of the population enrolled in formal study.
This comprises 11.1% in primary school, 8.1% in high school, and 6.6% studying at the tertiary level.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chatswood West reaches 22 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 440 services a week. The typical home sits about 100 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis identifies 22 active transport stops in Chatswood West, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 4 unique routes, which together provide 441 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 97 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a mostly residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the main transport method at 79% and trains accounting for 9%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.
A high proportion of 60.8% of residents worked from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions). Service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 20 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
76.9% of residents in Chatswood West report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 97% of areas nationally. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes in Chatswood West are exceptional, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, showing extremely low rates of common medical conditions across all age brackets, while private health insurance coverage is remarkably high at roughly 64% of the population (993 people). This compares to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical diagnoses in the suburb were arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.4% and 5.3% of residents respectively, whereas 76.9% of the population reported having no medical ailments at all, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney.
The suburb has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (330 people), which is higher than the Greater Sydney level of 15.5%. The health status of local seniors is particularly strong, with national rankings generally matching those of the overall population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
43.7% of Chatswood West residents were born overseas and 37.7% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 84% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (22.0%) and Chinese (19.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Chatswood West exhibits a high degree of cultural diversity, with 37.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born in another country. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 45.8% of the population. The most prominent statistical overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which accounts for 1.2% of the local population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney. Regarding family ancestry, the three largest groups in Chatswood West are English at 22.0% of the population, Chinese at 19.7% (which is much higher than the regional average of 8.4%), and Australian at 15.9%.
There are also notable differences in other backgrounds: French is overrepresented at 1.0% of the population (compared to 0.5% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Dutch at 2.3% (compared to 0.7% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chatswood West is 42. 20.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 42 years in Chatswood West is notably higher than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 45 - 54 age range has a strong presence at 14.9% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 7.6%. Post-2021 Census figures indicate that the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 11.3% to 12.5% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 6.3% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 group shrank from 5.0% to 3.8%.
Population forecasts for 2041 point to major demographic changes. The 55 to 64 group is projected to lead this shift, growing by 28% (54 people) to reach 246 from 191. Notably, combined cohorts aged 65+ will account for 56% of total population growth, showing the aging trend of the suburb. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chatswood West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,521 at the 2021 Census → 1,559 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10892). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.