Curl Curl

Curl Curl 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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Curl Curl is around 2,526, reflecting a 162 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.9% rise from the previous population count of 2,364 people. The current resident population estimate of 2,525 is based on AreaSearch's analysis following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,958 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Curl Curl's population growth since the 2021 census has outpaced both its SA3 area (3.7%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch is using 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. For years 2032 to 2041, growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas. Looking ahead, population projections indicate lower quartile growth for national areas, with Curl Curl expected to grow by 42 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 1.6% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Curl Curl is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Curl Curl has recorded approximately 1 residential property granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 6 homes were approved, with an additional 1 approved so far in FY26.

The declining population suggests new supply has been keeping pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers. Average construction value of new dwellings is $1,054,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Curl Curl shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 83.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Construction rates are also below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Curl Curl will gain 41 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are The Alba, Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Campus Expansion, Curl Curl - Freshwater Connectivity and Streetscape Upgrade, Queenscliff Affordable Housing Redevelopment (Former Community Health Centre). 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Curl Curl ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Curl Curl has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,417 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 71.2%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 54.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, professional & technical services employ 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 11.1% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 14.1%. The area has a resident-to-worker ratio of 0.6, indicating ample employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.1%, while employment fell by 2.1%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Curl Curl's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Curl Curl has one of the highest income levels nationally, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Curl Curl is $69,285, with an average income of $123,924. This compares to Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $60,817 and $83,023 respectively. Based on a 10.32% increase in wages since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $76,435 (median) and $136,713 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Curl Curl rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 99th percentiles. A significant portion of the community, 49.1% or 1,240 individuals, falls within the $4000+ earnings band, unlike surrounding regions where the dominant band is $1,500 - 2,999 with 30.9%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners (60.7% above $3,000/week) in Curl Curl. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Curl Curl's dwelling structures as per the latest Census showed 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Curl Curl was at 36.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,775, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Curl Curl was $705, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Curl Curl's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.0% of all households, including 48.8% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.0%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

In Curl Curl, educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.0% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%).

Vocational pathways account for 24.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.0% and certificates 14.5%. Educational participation is notably high, with 35.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in secondary education, 10.8% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Curl Curl has 31 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 32 different routes, offering a total of 2,050 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 117 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 85%, followed by bus at 6% and walking at 4%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 54.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 292 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Curl Curl's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Curl Curl, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (1,912 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.9% and 5.9% of residents respectively. 76.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Curl Curl has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (353 people), which is lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Curl Curl records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Curl Curl, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data from 29/6/2016, had a cultural diversity above average with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.9% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 47.4%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

For ancestry, English (31.9%) and Australian (24.3%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 17.8% respectively. Irish (10.3%) was also represented. Notable divergences included Welsh at 0.9%, French at 1.0%, and New Zealand at 1.3%.

Curl Curl's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Curl Curl has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 years and Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Curl Curl at 17.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.7%. This concentration of the 45-54 cohort is well above the national figure of 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the age group 15 to 24 has grown from 14.5% to 16.1%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 15.5% to 13.9%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 19.2% to 17.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Curl Curl's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 65 people (55%) from 118 to 184. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 93% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 45 to 54 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.