Clontarf (NSW)

Clontarf is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them, the suburb of Clontarf (NSW) had an estimated population of around 1,720 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 26 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,746. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,000 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in the area, accounting for around 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Clontarf are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb is expected to experience lower quartile growth nationally and an increase of 26 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 1.5% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Clontarf is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Clontarf experienced approximately one dwelling receiving development approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around nine homes were approved, with no developments so far in FY-26.

Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. This financial year, Clontarf has seen $103,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Clontarf has significantly less development activity (56.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, recent periods have shown an increase in development activity. Nationally, Clontarf's development activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location currently has approximately 386 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clontarf is expected to grow by 26 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Clontarf has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Totem Road Precinct - Balgowlah Heights. Other notable projects include Balgowlah RSL Club Renovations (Stage 1 of Master Plan), Beaches Link Tunnel, and Military Road Mega Lot Apartment Development. The following list details the most relevant ones.

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

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Employment conditions in Clontarf remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Clontarf has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.2%, matching Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation stands at 63.3%, lagging behind Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

A significant portion, 63.0%, of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment are professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Notably, professional & technical jobs are at 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with 1.4% employment compared to 5.7% regionally.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 1.0% and employment declined by 2.6%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years for Clontarf, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 Clontarf's median income among taxpayers is $78,471. The average income in the suburb is $162,223. Nationally, these figures place Clontarf in the top percentile. In comparison, Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. As of March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $86,569 (median) and $178,964 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Clontarf rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 99th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 53.5% of the community (920 individuals) earns over $4,000 annually, differing from regional patterns where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate with 30.9%. Clontarf's affluence is evident with 65.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Clontarf's dwelling structure as per the latest Census showed 94.9% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clontarf stood at 55.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 8.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $5,317, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Clontarf was $1,250, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Clontarf's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 84.7% of all households, including 47.7% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 6.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.3%, with lone person households at 13.3% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Clontarf's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (55.7%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and NSW (32.2%). Bachelor degrees are the most common (37.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways account for 17.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 7.7%. Educational participation is high, with 32.6% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes secondary education (11.2%), primary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (7.7%).

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

Public transport analysis shows eight active transport stops operating within Clontarf. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 18 individual routes that provide 3,338 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 63% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 476 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 417 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Clontarf's health outcomes show remarkable results according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 91% of the total population (1,559 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.9 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Clontarf has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.8% (340 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings and are broadly similar to the general population.

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

Clontarf's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clontarf, accounting for 54.4%. Notably, Judaism comprises 0.5%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Ancestry-wise, English (29.9%) and Australian (20.1%) are the top groups, with Irish at 9.4%. South Australian, Welsh, and French ethnicities are overrepresented in Clontarf compared to regional averages: South Australian at 1.3% vs 0.5%, Welsh at 0.8% vs 0.4%, and French at 0.8% vs 0.5%.

Clontarf hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Clontarf's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 17.8% of Clontarf's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 5.4%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is higher than the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, Clontarf's population aged 15-24 has grown from 15.6% to 18.0%, and those aged 85+ have increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has declined from 8.2% to 6.8%, and the 45-54 cohort has dropped from 17.5% to 16.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Clontarf's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort (74%), adding 46 residents to reach a total of 108. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for both the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups.