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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Collaroy Plateau is around 4,872, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,805 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,855 in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 3,993 persons per square kilometer, placing Collaroy Plateau within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the census is 1.4%, which is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's 3.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 utilized. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decrease by 310 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84-year-olds are expected to grow, with a projection of an increase of 156 people in this group.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Collaroy Plateau shows an average of around 10 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 50 homes were approved, with another 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 options for buyers. The average construction cost value of new properties is $1,197,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. Comparatively, Collaroy Plateau has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Greater Sydney. Nationally, it ranks among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity in Collaroy Plateau shows 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shift from the existing 94.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 689 people per approval, Collaroy Plateau is 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: Cromer Village Green (Proposed Mixed-Use Precinct), East Quarter Collaroy (Stage 1 - Eastbank / White Rock), Cromer Heights Estate, and Seahaven Apartments. These are considered key projects likely to have a notable influence on the area's performance.

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The employment environment in Collaroy Plateau shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Collaroy Plateau has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,752 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 73.6%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census data shows 44.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include 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 offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the disparity between working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2% while employment fell by 1.3%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Collaroy Plateau's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population ratios.

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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Collaroy Plateau had a median taxpayer income of $62,416 and an average income of $102,183. These figures place the suburb in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Collaroy Plateau as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,946 and $111,236 respectively. The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Collaroy Plateau ranked between the 84th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 39.5% earning over $4,000 weekly (1,924 residents), differing from the regional majority of 30.9% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Affluence was evident with 55.7% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounted for 15.0% of income, with residents ranking in the 98th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 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, 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 12.7%, with lone person households at 11.6% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 3.2 people, 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

In Collaroy Plateau, 32.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. This difference indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them – advanced diplomas account for 13.0%, while certificates make up 21.1%.

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

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

Transport analysis indicates 40 active public transport stops within Collaroy Plateau, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes, collectively facilitating 1502 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 44.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

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

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

Health outcomes data for Collaroy Plateau shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (3,273 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.1 and 5.5% of residents respectively. A total of 78.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The area has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (730 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's population, as of 2016 Census data, had 11.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 57.9%, compared to 49.2% in Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, Serbian (1.0%) and New Zealand (1.1%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%.

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

With a median age of 40, Collaroy Plateau is somewhat higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37, which is also marginally higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented in Collaroy Plateau at 16.6%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.0% to 16.6%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.3% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 16.4% to 15.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Collaroy Plateau's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 136 people (49%), from 277 to 414. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.