Cromer (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Cromer (NSW) as of May 2026 is around 8,390. This reflects an increase of 360 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,030. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,390 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,353 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cromer's growth rate of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Cromer's population expected to contract by 31 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, projected to expand by 369 people.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Cromer had around 11 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 58 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, four new residents per year are associated with every home built between FY21 and FY25. This demand exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes in Cromer is $238,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY26, $91,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Relative to Greater Sydney, Cromer shows reduced construction activity (52.0% below regional average per person), which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting established planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets.

The location has approximately 786 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market with stable or declining population expected in the future, potentially creating housing opportunities for buyers.

Cromer has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact a specific region, with major ones including Wakehurst Parkway improvements from Frenchs Forest to Narrabeen, Cromer Village Green's proposed mixed-use precinct, capacity enhancements along the Northern Beaches corridor from Seaforth to Mona Vale, and bus network improvements in the Northern Beaches.

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 highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.0% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. In December 2025, 4,392 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%. Census responses showed that 43.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. Construction stood out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 3.0% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The area seemed to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points, unlike Greater Sydney's growth in employment and labour force with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated that 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Cromer had a median taxpayer income of $60,774 and an average income of $91,617. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $67,046 (median) and $101,072 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 90th percentile ($2,483 weekly). In Cromer, 28.9% of individuals earn over $4000 per week, compared to the regional trend where 30.9% earn between $1500 and $2999. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 42.5% earning over $3000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.3% of income, but 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). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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 average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Cromer was recorded at $650, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Cromer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 percent of all households, including 46.6 percent couples with children, 22.3 percent couples without children, and 9.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.2 percent, with lone person households at 19.4 percent and group households comprising 1.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is 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, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (22.5%). Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cromer has 62 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 41 distinct routes, offering a total of 2,060 weekly passenger trips. Residents' proximity to transport is excellent, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (89%). The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 43.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 294 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 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 indicates strong performance throughout Cromer. Based on AreaSearch's assessment, mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (5,290 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.7% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 74.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. As of 19th June 2021, the area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,694 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cromer, accounting for 55.9%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.3% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.4%, regional average 19.0%), Australian (25.2%, regional average 17.8%), and Other (7.7%, regional average 16.0%). Notable ethnic group divergences include Serbian (Cromer 1.0% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (Cromer 0.5% vs regional 0.3%), and Welsh (Cromer 0.8% vs regional 0.4%).

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 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cromer has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (4.9%) and a lower proportion of residents aged 25-34 years (7.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.4% to 15.0%, while the 85+ cohort grew from 2.7% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group decreased from 9.1% to 7.4%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 14.9% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Cromer's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 81%, adding 334 residents to reach 746. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent all of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 55-64 age cohorts.