Cromer (NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cromer (NSW) is around 8,299, reflecting an increase of 269 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.3% rise from the previous population count of 8,030. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which resulted in an estimated resident population of 8,279. This equates to a density ratio of 1,338 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Cromer has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing its SA3 area. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, over this period, the suburb of Cromer's population is expected to decline by 18 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 384 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 for Cromer shows an average of 11 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there were an estimated 58 homes approved, with one more in FY-26. This results in approximately 3.6 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over these years.

Demand outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices. The average construction value of new properties is $238,000, below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices. In FY-26, there have been $91,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cromer has significantly reduced construction activity (52.0% below average per person), which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this level is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints.

New building activity consists of 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options. Cromer has approximately 786 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market with stable or declining population projections, which should reduce housing demand pressures in the future.

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

Infrastructure projects significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 such projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are 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 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 significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4,398 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Cromer stands at 68.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 43.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. Cromer shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 3.0%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Cromer's labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment declined by 1.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in May-25, project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cromer's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% 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

In financial year 2023, Cromer suburb had a median income of $60,774 and an average income of $91,617 among taxpayers. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $66,159 (median) and $99,734 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Cromer's household incomes rank at the 90th percentile with a weekly income of $2,483. The largest income segment comprises 28.9% earning over $4,000 weekly, with 42.5% earning over $3,000 per week. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 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 in Cromer was $3,142, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Cromer was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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 making up 1.6%. 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 held by 36.1% of residents aged 15+, with 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 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 active public transport stops offering bus services. These are served by 41 routes, together facilitating 2060 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically 140 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward due to its residential nature; cars remain dominant at 89%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, above regional average. In 2021 Census data, 43.4% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 294 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Cromer. 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 (5,233 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. Cromer has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,709 people), which is higher than the 15.4% 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 has a cultural diversity level above the average, with 13.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cromer, making up 55.9% of people there. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.3% of Cromer's population versus 0.8%.

Regarding ancestry, English heritage is prominent at 29.4%, substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%. Australian heritage also stands out at 25.2%, surpassing the regional average of 17.8%. However, Other ancestry is notably lower in Cromer at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 16.0%. Some ethnic groups show notable variations: Serbian is overrepresented at 1.0% versus 0.5% regionally, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.8% versus 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 an over-representation of the 75-84 age group (8.3%) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (7.5%). Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 12.4% to 14.6%, while the 85+ cohort grew from 2.7% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 9.1% to 7.5%, and the 5-14 group decreased from 14.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Cromer's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 81%, adding 322 residents to reach 721. All growth will be among those aged 65 and older. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 0-4 age groups.