Collaroy Plateau

Collaroy Plateau is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of Collaroy Plateau was estimated at 4,872 as of Feb 2026. This shows an increase of 67 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,805. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,855 residents in Jun 2024 and three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,993 persons per square kilometer, placing Collaroy Plateau in the top 10% nationally. Its 1.4% growth since census is within 1.9 percentage points of its SA3 area's 3.3%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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 used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 307 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 75-84 group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 159 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Collaroy Plateau averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 52 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26.

The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $1,197,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Comparatively, Collaroy Plateau has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Sydney. Nationally, it places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity shows 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing. There is a growing mix of townhouses and apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 94.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 601 people per approval, Collaroy Plateau shows a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Collaroy Plateau has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, influencing its performance more than any other factor. These include Cromer Village Green (Proposed Mixed-Use Precinct), East Quarter Collaroy (Stage 1 - Eastbank / White Rock), Cromer Heights Estate, and Seahaven Apartments. 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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The employment environment in Collaroy Plateau shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Collaroy Plateau has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,743 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 73.1%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 44.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction is particularly prominent with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 3.0%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6% and employment fell by 1.6%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%. 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 Collaroy Plateau's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Collaroy Plateau had a median income among taxpayers of $62,416 and an average income of $102,183. This places it in the top percentile nationally compared to median incomes of $60,817 across Greater Sydney and average incomes of $83,030 in Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $67,946 (median) and $111,236 (average). The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Collaroy Plateau rank between the 84th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 39.5% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly, with a total of 1,924 individuals falling into this category. This differs from the regional norm where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is predominant at 30.9%. Collaroy Plateau's affluence is evident with 55.7% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 98th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Collaroy Plateau is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Collaroy Plateau, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collaroy Plateau stood at 38.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (49.0%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,467, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Collaroy Plateau was $800, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Collaroy Plateau's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Collaroy Plateau features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 87.3% of all households, including 55.8% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.7%, with lone person households at 11.6% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Collaroy Plateau's residents aged 15+ have university degrees at a rate of 32.7%, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common (23.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.1% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 21.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 40 active stops operating within Collaroy Plateau. These are served by 18 routes offering a total of 1502 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being dominant at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above regional average. High work-from-home rate observed, 44.6% (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 214 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

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

Collaroy Plateau shows excellent health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 67% of Collaroy Plateau's total population (3273 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.1%) and arthritis (5.5%). 78.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. 15.0% of Collaroy Plateau's population is aged 65 and over (730 people). Seniors' health outcomes align with national rankings, similar to the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Collaroy Plateau records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Collaroy Plateau had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 11.9% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 23.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Collaroy Plateau, comprising 57.9% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, Serbian (1.0%) was overrepresented in Collaroy Plateau compared to the regional average of 0.5%. New Zealand (1.1%) and French (0.7%) also had higher representations than the regional averages of 0.5% each.

Collaroy Plateau's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Collaroy Plateau is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, individuals aged 15-24 are over-represented at 16.7% locally, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.3%. Between 2021 and present, the age group of 15-24 has increased from 14.0% to 16.7%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 4.3% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.0%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 16.4% to 15.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Collaroy Plateau's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 138 people (50%), from 277 to 416. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.