Cromer (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Cromer reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Cromer (NSW) statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, was around 8,297 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 267 people from the previous count of 8,030 in the 2021 Census, indicating a growth rate of approximately 3.3%. The latest estimated resident population (ERP) by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS data released in June 2024, was 8,279, with an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of around 1,338 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Cromer (NSW) (SA2) experienced a growth rate exceeding that of its SA3 area during this period, with overseas migration contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains. Population projections for the area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia estimates released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by this data.

These projections indicate an overall population decline of 11 persons by 2041, despite anticipated growth within specific age cohorts such as the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 382 people during this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cromer according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cromer had around 11 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 59 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. This averages to approximately 3.5 new residents per home built annually between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost for new homes is $238,000, reflecting more affordable housing options in the area compared to regional norms.

In FY26, Cromer has seen $91,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating its residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cromer shows reduced construction activity, with 51.0% fewer new dwellings per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. Cromer has approximately 785 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market with stable or declining population expected in the future, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Cromer should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Cromer has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Wakehurst Parkway Improvements (Frenchs Forest to Narrabeen), Cromer Village Green (Proposed Mixed-Use Precinct), Northern Beaches Corridor Capacity: Seaforth To Mona Vale, and Northern Beaches Bus Network Improvements. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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While Cromer retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Cromer has a well-educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 4,383 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 64.2%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. Construction is particularly notable, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 3.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, while employment declined by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Cromer's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Cromer's employment mix.

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 postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Cromer had a median income among taxpayers of $60,774 and an average income of $91,617. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $66,159 (median) and $99,734 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, Cromer's household incomes rank at the 90th percentile ($2,483 weekly). In terms of income distribution, 28.9% of Cromer's population earns over $4,000 per week, unlike the regional trend where 30.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Reflecting its affluence, 42.5% of Cromer residents earn over $3,000 per week. Despite high housing costs consuming 17.3% of income, strong earnings place disposable income at the 88th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Cromer's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cromer stood at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.9% and rented ones at 16.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,142, higher than Sydney metro's $3,000. The median weekly rent was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Cromer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,142 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.8% of all households, including 46.6% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.2%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Cromer shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 30.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 41.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 22.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

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

Cromer has 62 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 41 different routes that together facilitate 2,060 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 294 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cromer's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics reveals strong performance across Cromer. The prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups. Approximately 63% of Cromer's total population (5232 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 71.5%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.7% and 6.3% of residents respectively. 74.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.7%. Cromer has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1651 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Cromer are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Cromer's cultural diversity is above average, with 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.4% born overseas. The predominant religion in Cromer is Christianity, at 55.9%. While this is similar to Greater Sydney, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to the region's 0.3%.

For ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.4%), Australian (25.2%), and Other (7.7%). Notably, Serbian (1.0% vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.7%) are overrepresented in Cromer.

Cromer's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cromer's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cromer has a notably higher percentage of the 45-54 age cohort (15.4% locally) but a lower percentage of 25-34 year-olds (7.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 12.4% to 14.5%, while the 85+ cohort grew from 2.7% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 9.1% to 7.6%, and the 5-14 age group decreased from 14.9% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling indicates that Cromer's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 100%, adding 356 residents to reach 713. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 99% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.