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, as of Nov 2025, Collaroy Plateau's estimated population is around 4,872, reflecting an increase of 67 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 4,855 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of three 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% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 1.4% since census is within 1.8 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 300 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, particularly the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 151 people.

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 FY21 and FY25, approximately 52 homes were approved, with another 4 approved so far in FY26.

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

New building activity in Collaroy Plateau shows 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 94.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects 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 are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: Cromer Village Green (Proposed Mixed-Use Precinct), East Quarter Collaroy (Stage 1 - Eastbank / White Rock), Cromer Heights Estate, and Seahaven Apartments.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 September 2025, 2,741 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Collaroy Plateau is high at 69.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 3.0%, compared to 5.3% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6% and employment by 1.6%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force expansion of 2.4%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment 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 should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Collaroy Plateau had a median income among taxpayers of $62,416 and an average income of $102,183. These figures place the suburb in the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,030. As of September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $67,946 and average income is $111,236, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. The 2021 Census data ranks Collaroy Plateau's household, family, and personal incomes between the 84th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 39.5% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly, with 55.7% earning over $3,000 weekly. This supports premium retail and service offerings in the suburb. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income, with residents ranking 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

Collaroy Plateau's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collaroy Plateau stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.0% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,467, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $3,000. Weekly rent in Collaroy Plateau was recorded at $800, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $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 account for 87.3 percent of all households, including 55.8 percent couples with children, 21.5 percent couples without children, and 9.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.7 percent, with lone person households at 11.6 percent and group households comprising 1.5 percent of the total. 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 trail region, 32.7% of residents aged 15 years or older hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 regional average of 41.5%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the area. University qualifications are predominantly bachelor's degrees (23.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent among residents aged 15 years or older, with 34.1% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 13.0%, while certificates make up 21.1%. Educational participation is high in the region, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education programs. 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 shows 40 active transport stops in Collaroy Plateau, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 18 individual routes, offering a total of 1502 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 147 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 214 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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

Collaroy Plateau demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 67% (3,273 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 71.5%, and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are asthma (6.1%) and arthritis (5.5%).

78.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.7%. As of 2021, 14.4% (701 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 17.8%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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 cultural diversity index above average, 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%, compared to 51.6% across 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%) were overrepresented in Collaroy Plateau compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 0.9%, respectively, while French was underrepresented at 0.7%.

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

With a median age of 40, Collaroy Plateau has a figure somewhat higher than Greater Sydney's 37 years and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney's average, the 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.1% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 14.0% to 16.4%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.3% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.4%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Collaroy Plateau's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 139 people (52%), from 267 to 407. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.