Collaroy (NSW)

Collaroy 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 the suburb of Collaroy (NSW) is around 8,211. This reflects an increase of 267 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,944. AreaSearch estimates this population based on analysis of latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 3,063 persons per square kilometer, placing Collaroy in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the census, Collaroy's population growth of 3.4% compares closely with its SA3 area's growth of 3.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. For years 2032 to 2041, these projections indicate an overall population decline of 71 persons in Collaroy. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 414 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Collaroy averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 93 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $1,197,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, $322,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Collaroy has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 37th percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, possibly due to the area's maturity and potential planning constraints.

New building activity shows 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Collaroy's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. 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. At around 445 people per approval, Collaroy indicates a mature market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Collaroy should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for 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 identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones 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's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4,582 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses showed that 46.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment in Collaroy is concentrated in professional & technical services, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has a high specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 12.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending May-25, labour force decreased by 0.1% and employment declined by 1.2%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasted with Greater Sydney's employment growth of 2.2% and labour force expansion of 2.3%. 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 growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Collaroy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Collaroy had a median taxpayer income of $62,591 and an average income of $102,469 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By March 2026, estimates based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 would be approximately $69,050 (median) and $113,044 (average). In Collaroy, household, family and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 84th and 86th percentiles, according to the 2021 Census. Distribution data showed that the largest segment comprised 29.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,422 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 30.9% in the same category. Economic strength was evident through 39.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consumed 16.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

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

Collaroy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.7% houses and 58.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Collaroy was $600, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Collaroy's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,800 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households making up 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 at 37.8% for residents aged 15+, surpassing 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, including 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 together facilitate 4,768 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 189 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 84% of residents, while only 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 46%, work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 681 trips per day, equating to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Collaroy'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 for Collaroy, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 67% of Collaroy's total population (5,526 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.7% and 6.5% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Collaroy has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,781 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Collaroy are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly similar to the general population.

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 was found to be above average, with 13.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Collaroy, comprising 53.9% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.2%), all higher than their respective regional averages. Notably, French (0.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. New Zealand ethnicity was also notably divergent at 1.0%.

Collaroy hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Collaroy is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 55-64 year-old group is particularly prominent at 14.4%, while the 35-44 year-old group is relatively smaller at 10.6% compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 year-old age group has increased from 12.1% to 14.2%, and the 75-84 year-old cohort has risen from 6.3% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 year-old group has decreased from 12.3% to 10.6%, and the 5-14 year-old group has dropped from 10.0% to 8.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Collaroy's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 406 people (160%) from 254 to 661. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 45-54 year-old and 55-64 year-old cohorts are expected to experience population declines.