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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Collaroy is around 8,108 people. This figure represents an increase of 164 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,944. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,066 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses. This results in a population density of approximately 3,025 persons per square kilometer, placing Collaroy in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate since the census, at 2.1%, is within 1.1 percentage points of its SA4 region (3.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed about 77% of Collaroy's population gains recently.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a 2022 base year for SA2 areas covered, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas until 2041. By 2041, Collaroy is projected to grow by 6 persons, reflecting a reduction of approximately 0.3% 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 shows Collaroy recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 91 homes were approved, with another 6 so far in FY-26.

Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas. The average construction value of new homes is $1,197,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Collaroy shows relatively constrained buyer choice due to lower construction activity per person, supporting interest in existing homes. Recent periods have seen increased development activity, however, this remains below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints.

New developments consist of 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Collaroy reflects a low density area with around 335 people per approval. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there may be reduced pressure on housing and opportunities for buyers in the future.

Collaroy has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects expected to influence the area. 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 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 has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 4,581 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Collaroy is fairly standard at 64.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are professional & technical, construction, and health care & social assistance. Notably, construction has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 12.0% of Collaroy's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.0%, while employment decreased by 1.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Collaroy. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Collaroy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Collaroy had a median taxpayer income of $62,591 and an average income of $102,469 in financial year 2022. These figures are exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Collaroy would be approximately $70,484 (median) and $115,390 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Collaroy rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 86th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.5% of the community (2,391 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.9% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 39.3%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, though strong earnings still 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% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collaroy stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged properties comprising 31.6% and rented dwellings making up 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,800, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Collaroy was $600, compared to $592 in the Sydney metropolitan area. Nationally, Collaroy's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,800 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and median rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates of 37.8% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and that of NSW at 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 19.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.6% in secondary, 7.4% in primary, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education. Pittwater House Schools serves as the anchor institution, educating 1,001 students. The area demonstrates exceptional educational performance with an ICSEA score of 1163, placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. All 1 school offers integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. School places per 100 residents stand at 12.3, below the regional average of 16.2, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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

Collaroy has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 54 different routes that together facilitate 4,575 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Collaroy is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 190 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 653 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 198 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 shows strong performance throughout Collaroy. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (5,457 people), compared to 71.5% across Greater Sydney.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.7% and 6.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% across Greater Sydney. Collaroy has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,727 people), which is higher than the 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Collaroy had a cultural diversity level above average, with 13.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Collaroy, making up 53.9%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.2% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were overrepresented in Collaroy compared to regional percentages of 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively. New Zealand was also slightly overrepresented at 1.0%.

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

The median age in Collaroy is 43 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 55-64 years are particularly prominent, making up 13.8% of the population, while those aged 35-44 years comprise only 10.7%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has grown from 12.1% to 14.0%, while the 35-44 age group has declined from 12.3% to 10.7% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 10.0% to 8.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Collaroy's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 years and above is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 434 people (167%) from 259 to 694. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for all total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the age cohorts of 55-64 years and 45-54 years are expected to experience population declines.