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 of November 2025, the estimated population of Clontarf is around 1,622. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 1,746 people, indicating a reduction of 124 individuals (7.1%). The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which reported an estimated resident population of 1,620 for Clontarf and surrounding areas applied by AreaSearch. Since the Census date, one additional validated new address has been recorded. The population density ratio is approximately 1,886 persons per square kilometer, surpassing the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Clontarf has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming the broader SA3 area.

Overseas migration contributed significantly to population gains in recent periods, accounting for approximately 78.0% of overall increases. AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Clontarf is expected to grow by 27 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.6% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Clontarf, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Clontarf experienced approximately 2 dwellings receiving development approval per year.

Around 10 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with none yet in FY-26. This results in an average of about 2.9 new residents per year for each dwelling built during this period, indicating strong demand that supports property values. Compared to Greater Sydney, Clontarf has significantly lower building activity, at 52.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Clontarf's level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 95.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Looking ahead, Clontarf is projected to grow by 204 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Totem Road Precinct - Balgowlah Heights. Other key 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 those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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While Clontarf retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Clontarf has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025913 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is at 62.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Clontarf shows a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share double the regional level.

Public administration & safety employs only 1.4% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 5.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.5%, while employment decreased by 1.1%, resulting in a rise of 1.5 percentage points in unemployment rate compared to Greater Sydney's 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Clontarf's employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, 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

Clontarf had a median taxpayer income of $78,471 and an average income of $162,223 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, this is exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. As of September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $88,366 and the average income would be around $182,679, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Clontarf all rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 99th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 53.5% of locals (867 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 30.9%. Notably, 65.2% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, indicating 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 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 36.7% houses and 63.3% 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 $3,800. Weekly rent median in Clontarf was $1,250, compared to Sydney metro's $720. Nationally, Clontarf's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $5,317 versus 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

Clontarf's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. 55.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways account for 17.1% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.4% and certificates 7.7%.

Educational participation is 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Clontarf's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates six active transport stops in Clontarf, consisting of bus services only. These stops are serviced by eighteen individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,797 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 399 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 466 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Clontarf. The prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups. Approximately 91% of the total population (1,470 people) has private health cover, compared to 85.6% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.9% and 6.2% of residents respectively. 76.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.4% in Greater Sydney. Clontarf has 18.4% of its population aged 65 and over (298 people), higher than the 16.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, largely mirroring those of the general population.

Clontarf was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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, comprising 54.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Clontarf compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.5% versus 0.4%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.9%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (9.4%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: South African was overrepresented at 1.3% compared to 1.1% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.9%, and French at 0.8% versus 1.4%.

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

Clontarf's median age is 47 years, considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 17.6% of Clontarf's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 15.6% to 17.0%, while the 35-44 cohort has declined from 8.2% to 6.8% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 17.5% to 16.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Clontarf's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 111%, adding 55 residents to reach a total of 106. Senior residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 68% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.