Cronulla

Cronulla 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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Cronulla statistical area (Lv2) is around 18,908. This reflects an increase of 1,009 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,899. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 18,758 as of June 2024 and an additional 311 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,911 persons per square kilometer, placing Cronulla in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.9%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Cronulla (SA2) is expected to grow by 1,144 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 4.4% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Cronulla among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Cronulla shows approximately 129 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 645 homes were approved, with an additional 46 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $1,339,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, Cronulla has seen $86.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cronulla has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

New building activity comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 139 people per dwelling approval, Cronulla is characterized as a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cronulla will gain approximately 833 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include VUE Cronulla, Palm Cronulla, Isla Cronulla, and Port Hacking Estuary Dredging & Beach Nourishment. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Cronulla demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Cronulla has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the year ending September 2025.

Employment grew by 1.5% during this period. As of September 2025, 11,687 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation was 65.2%, higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Construction had particularly high representation, at 1.5 times the regional average. Retail trade had lower representation, at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally might be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force grew by 1.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, increasing unemployment slightly. State-wide, NSW experienced a 0.03% employment contraction (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-November-25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cronulla's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% in five years and 13.8% in ten years, though this is a simple 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Cronulla is exceptionally high nationally. The median assessed income is $67,730 and the average income stands at $102,400. In contrast, Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cronulla would be approximately $73,731 (median) and $111,473 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally are $1,179 weekly. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 33.4% of Cronulla's community (6,315 individuals), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. A significant 30.8% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Cronulla features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Cronulla's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 20.5% houses and 79.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 52.4% houses and 47.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cronulla was 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 41.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,404, below Sydney metro's average of $2,774. Median weekly rent was $500, matching Sydney metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Cronulla's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

Cronulla features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.5% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

In Cronulla, 34.6% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 24.3%.

Currently, 22.8% of the population is engaged in formal education. This includes 5.9% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 81 active stops in Cronulla, offering a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 26 routes, facilitating 4,650 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility to transport is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 129 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 664 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Cronulla is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Cronulla shows superior health outcomes with both young and elderly cohorts having low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 67% of its total population (12,721 people) has private health cover, exceeding the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 8.0% of residents, and asthma, impacting 6.4%. Notably, 72.2% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 72.3%. Cronulla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 24.9% (4,708 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 21.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Cronulla are particularly robust, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Cronulla ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cronulla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 90.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Cronulla, making up 57.8% of people, compared to 61.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (24.4%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, French (0.7%) was overrepresented in Cronulla compared to the regional figure of 0.6%, as were Russian (0.4% vs 0.6%) and Macedonian (0.3% vs 0.7%).

Cronulla hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Cronulla is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 13.9% of the population, while those aged 5-14 constitute only 6.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.0% to 7.8%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 18.0% to 17.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Cronulla's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 956 people (65%), from 1,474 to 2,431. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 95% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.