Dee Why

Population growth drivers in Dee Why are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Dee Why is estimated at around 24,885 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,531 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,354. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,747 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 261 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,079 persons per square kilometer, placing Dee Why in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (3.3%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Dee Why.

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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Dee Why expected to increase by 3,597 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Dee Why among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Dee Why has seen around 109 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 546 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about two people have been moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. However, this has increased to 4.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $1,063,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties by developers. This year, there have been $449,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Dee Why has 57.0% more construction activity per person than Greater Sydney, offering greater choice for buyers. Of the new developments, 18.0% are detached dwellings while 82.0% are townhouses or apartments, catering to affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has around 200 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

By 2041, Dee Why is projected to add approximately 3,459 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, but increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects include Northern Beaches Coast Walk, Casa Delmar, 154-158 Pacific Parade Mixed Use Development, and Havana Dee Why. The following list details 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.

Dee Why has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Dee Why has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 15,624 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Dee Why is 77.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 36.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence, with only 3.4% of residents employed compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, and employment decreased by 1.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and the labour force grow by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dee Why's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Dee Why had a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $58,931 and the average income stood at $88,771. These figures compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,152 (median) and $96,636 (average) as of September 2025. Census data revealed household, family and personal incomes all ranked highly in Dee Why, between the 72nd and 84th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 37.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (9,356 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 30.9% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 20.7% of income, though strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 65th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

In Dee Why, as per the latest Census evaluation, 15.3% of dwellings were houses while 84.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Sydney metropolitan areas where 55.9% of dwellings are houses and 44.1% are other types. Home ownership in Dee Why stood at 21.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (48.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Dee Why was $2,457, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Dee Why was recorded at $550, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Dee Why's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Dee Why features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.6% of all households, including 25.6% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 40.1% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.2% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificates (18.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 6.8% in primary, 5.9% in tertiary, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Dee Why has 80 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 91 unique routes, facilitating a total of 9,234 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents on average situated 106 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Dee Why sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 69%, followed by buses at 17% and walking at 7%. The area has an average vehicle ownership rate of 0.8 per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 36.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency across all routes averages 1,319 trips, translating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Dee Why's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (15,416 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1 and 5.8% of residents respectively. A total of 78.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Dee Why has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,508 people), lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings.

Dee Why is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dee Why has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dee Why, making up 43.5% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 5.0% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Other (18.3%), and Australian (17.0%). Notably, Serbian (1.5%) and Spanish (1.1%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively. French is also slightly overrepresented at 0.9%.

Dee Why's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dee Why's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 and modestly under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dee Why has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 3.7% to 4.8%, while the proportions of those aged 5-14 and 25-34 have declined, from 8.7% to 7.5% and from 21.1% to 20.0% respectively. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Dee Why's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 69%, adding 828 residents to reach a total of 2,023. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.