Clovelly

Clovelly 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 May 2026, the estimated population of Clovelly is around 5,130 people. This figure represents a growth of 243 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,887 people in the suburb. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 5,124, following an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025), and the validation of additional 16 new addresses since the Census date, supports this increase. This population density equates to approximately 6,493 persons per square kilometer, placing Clovelly within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2016 to 2026, Clovelly has exhibited a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing its surrounding SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 68% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Clovelly are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to grow by an additional 205 persons to reach a total population of approximately 5,335 by the year 2041. This anticipated growth reflects a 3.9% increase over the 16-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers, Clovelly has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 29 homes were approved, with three more approved in FY26 so far.

The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers. Developers focus on the premium market, with an average expected construction cost of $1,807,000 per dwelling. Compared to Greater Sydney, Clovelly has significantly less development activity, 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Nationally, Clovelly's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1005 people per approval, Clovelly shows a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Clovelly is expected to grow by 199 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment, Ballamac House, Clovelly Pocket Park, and Bronte Collection. The following details projects likely to have the greatest impact.

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

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Employment conditions in Clovelly rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Clovelly's workforce is highly educated with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Clovelly was higher at 79.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A significant portion, 62.1%, of residents worked from home as per Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Clovelly shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Retail trade employs fewer residents at 5.4%, below Greater Sydney's 9.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while the labour force grew by an equal percentage, keeping unemployment broadly stable at 2.1%. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clovelly's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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 that median income in Clovelly is $80,104 and average income is $133,201. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Clovelly as of March 2026 is approximately $88,371, with an estimated average income of $146,947. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Clovelly rank highly nationally, between the 98th and 99th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. In Clovelly, 44.1% of locals earn over $4,000 weekly, while in Greater Sydney, the predominant earnings category is $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.9%. A significant 58.4% of Clovelly residents earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 98th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Clovelly features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clovelly's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 25.0% houses and 75.1% 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 Clovelly stood at 33.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented ones at 38.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,333, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Clovelly was $700, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Clovelly's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially exceeded the national figure of $375.

Clovelly features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.8% of all households, consisting of 35.7% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 21.6% and group households making up 5.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Clovelly shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Clovelly's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 60.8% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 39.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%).

Vocational pathways make up 18.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas accounting for 8.0% and certificates for 10.0%. Educational participation is notably high in Clovelly, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clovelly has 33 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by 7 different routes, collectively providing 4256 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 95 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 72%, followed by bus at 10% and walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 62.1% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 608 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 128 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Clovelly's health outcomes show remarkable results according to AreaSearch's evaluation. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 79% of the total population (4069 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.4% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A total of 79.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (661 people), lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly inline with the general population.

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

Clovelly, surveyed in June 2016, had 11.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.0%. Judaism was notably overrepresented at 5.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English (27.6%) and Irish (12.7%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 6.1% respectively. French (1.4%), Welsh (0.9%), and Hungarian (0.6%) were also overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.3% respectively.

Clovelly's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clovelly's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years. This is slightly below the Australian median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Clovelly has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.0% to 10.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 15.4% to 13.9%, and the percentage of those aged 5-14 has dropped from 13.7% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Clovelly's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 100 residents to reach 321. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.