Collaroy (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Collaroy reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Collaroy (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 8,104 people. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 7,944 people, indicating a growth rate of approximately 2.0%. The latest estimate was derived from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release, totaling 8,061 inhabitants with an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 3,023 persons per square kilometer, placing Collaroy (NSW) within the upper quartile relative to other assessed areas nationwide. The area's growth rate since the Census is comparable to its SA3 area, with both experiencing competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the recent period, contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Collaroy (NSW) area is expected to grow by approximately 7 persons by 2041, reflecting a reduction of about 0.2% in total population over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Collaroy recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 89 homes were approved, with an additional 5 so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, favourable for buyers as it indicates a focus on the premium market with high-end developments, reflected by an average construction cost value of $1,197,000 per dwelling.

This year, there have also been $322,000 in commercial approvals, highlighting Collaroy's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Collaroy has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is below average nationally, likely due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Collaroy's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (42.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 518 people per approval, Collaroy indicates a mature market. Given population projections show stability or decline, housing demand pressures in Collaroy should reduce, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects that could influence this region. Notable projects include Montecito Collaroy, 1129-1131 Pittwater Road Mixed Use, 1010-1014 Pittwater Road Mixed Use Development, and Cromer Village Green (Proposed Mixed-Use Precinct). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Collaroy's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 4.6%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There are 4,543 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is at 64.2%, slightly above Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 12.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, accompanied by a 1.8% decrease in employment, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Collaroy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Collaroy was $62,591, with an average of $102,469 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is exceptionally high compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, current estimates project these figures to approximately $68,137 (median) and $111,548 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Collaroy rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 86th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 29.5% of individuals (2,390 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends showing 30.9% in the same category. Notably, 39.3% of Collaroy residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Collaroy, as per the latest Census, 41.7% of dwellings were houses while 58.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collaroy stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,800, lower than the Sydney metro average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Collaroy was $600, higher than the national average of $375 but slightly below the Sydney metro figure of $592. Nationally, Collaroy's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Collaroy has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.7% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Collaroy demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 37.8% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 19.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary 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

Collaroy has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 55 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,768 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 189 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 681 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Collaroy's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Collaroy, with both younger and older age groups exhibiting low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 67% of Collaroy's total population (5454 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's rate of 71.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Collaroy are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.7% and 6.5% of residents respectively. A total of 72.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 74.7%. Collaroy has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.3% (1726 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 17.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Collaroy are strong and largely align with the overall population's health profile.

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

Collaroy's cultural diversity is above average, with 13.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 53.9%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) are overrepresented in Collaroy compared to regional figures of 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively. New Zealanders also slightly exceed the regional average at 1.0%.

Collaroy hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Collaroy is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The most prominent age group in Collaroy is those aged 55-64 years (13.8%), while the 35-44 year-olds make up a smaller proportion (10.7%) compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the population of those aged 15-24 has increased from 12.1% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 35-44 year-old group has decreased from 12.3% to 10.7%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 10.0% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Collaroy's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 168% from 259 to 695. Notably, the combined population growth for those aged 65 and above will account for 100%, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the populations of those aged 55-64 years and 45-54 years are expected to decline.