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

The population of the suburb of Clontarf (NSW) is estimated to be around 1,768 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the population reported in the 2021 Census, which was 1,746 people. The increase of 22 people represents a growth rate of 1.3%. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,733 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. The population density in Clontarf is 2,055 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from Feb 2016 to Feb 2026, Clontarf has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outpacing the SA3 area.

Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where necessary, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 42 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 3.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Clontarf has experienced approximately one dwelling receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around nine homes were approved, with no developments approved so far in FY26. This suggests a significant demand outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

Commercial development approvals totalled $103,000 this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Clontarf records markedly lower building activity, at 56.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, though construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, the area's building activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Clontarf over this period has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 398 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead, Clontarf is expected to grow by 65 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact this area: Totem Road Precinct - Balgowlah Heights, Balgowlah RSL Club Renovations (Stage 1 of Master Plan), Beaches Link Tunnel, and Military Road Mega Lot Apartment Development are key projects, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

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Clontarf has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Clontarf has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025900 residents are employed, aligning with Greater Sydney's 4.2% unemployment rate.

However, workforce participation is lower at 66.7%. Census responses indicate that 63.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Clontarf specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level, but public administration & safety is under-represented at 1.4%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Clontarf's labour force decreased by 0.4% and employment by 2.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force by 2.4%, with a slight unemployment rate rise of 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Clontarf's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

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 ending June 2023 shows that Clontarf suburb has incomes among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $78,471 while the average income stands at $162,223. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $85,424 (median) and $176,596 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Clontarf, between the 96th and 99th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 53.5% of locals (945 people) fall into the $4000+ income category, differing from metropolitan patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 category dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 65.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 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, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Clontarf was recorded at $1,250, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Clontarf's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 15.3%, with lone person households at 13.3% and group households making up 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

In Clontarf, residents aged 15 and above have a notable educational advantage with 55.7% holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. This high level of attainment is driven by Bachelor degrees (37.5%), postgraduate qualifications (15.1%), and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways also contribute significantly with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 7.7%. Educational participation in Clontarf is notably high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.2% in secondary education, 9.6% in primary education, and 7.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clontarf has eight active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 18 individual routes providing 3,338 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 63% of residents work from home, possibly due to 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 assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 91% of Clontarf's total population (1,603 people) has private health cover, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.9% and 6.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 76.6% of Clontarf residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Clontarf has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.0% (335 people), than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Clontarf align broadly with national rankings for 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 cultural diversity was found to be higher than most local markets, with 14.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Clontarf, accounting for 54.4% of people. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented in Clontarf compared to Greater Sydney, with 0.5% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English at 29.9%, Australian at 20.1%, and Irish at 9.4%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: South African at 1.3% (regional average 0.5%), Welsh at 0.8% (0.4%), and French at 0.8% (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 makes up 17.6% of Clontarf's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort represents only 4.5%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is higher than the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 15.6% to 17.5%, while the 35-44 cohort has declined from 8.2% to 6.6%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 17.5% to 16.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Clontarf's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 86%, adding 48 residents to reach a total of 105. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 96% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.