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

According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, combined with recent address records confirmed by AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Dee Why has a population estimated to be approximately 25,361 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,007 people (8.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the headcount stood at 23,354 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 25,146, which AreaSearch calculated by analyzing the ABS's June 2025 ERP release alongside 345 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population count translates to a density of 8,234 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the highest 10% of all territories analyzed by AreaSearch and pointing to extremely sought-after land. The 8.6% expansion rate in the suburb of Dee Why since the 2021 census was greater than that of the SA3 area (3.7%) as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a primary growth driver. Overseas migration was the leading contributor to this expansion, accounting for roughly 68.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are adopted by AreaSearch for each SA2 district. Where such data is unavailable, SA2 projections compiled by the NSW State Government in 2022 utilizing a 2021 baseline are substituted. The age cohort growth dynamics from these datasets are further applied to forecast the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic outlooks indicate that the suburb of Dee Why will experience expansion exceeding the national median, with projections at the SA2 level suggesting a rise of 3,263 persons by 2041, which represents an overall 12.0% increase across the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Dee Why when compared nationally

AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals compiled by the ABS at the statistical area scale show that the suburb of Dee Why averages approximately 85 dwelling approvals annually, with a total of 429 residential approvals issued over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 25 recorded so far during FY-26. With an average of 3.2 additional inhabitants arriving per completed home annually over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, demand outpaces new builds, which typically drives up pricing and intensifies buyer rivalry. Approved new residential developments carry a mean construction value of $1,046,000, signaling a clear developer preference for upscale projects. Additionally, commercial development approvals total $449,000 for this current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the locality.

In comparison to Greater Sydney, building approvals in the suburb of Dee Why run moderately higher on a per capita basis (surpassing the regional average by 22.0% over the 5 year timeframe), providing options for buyers while sustaining local real estate values, even though construction volumes have cooled lately. This rate is also below the national average, indicating a mature local market and probable spatial boundaries. The construction mix consists of 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% medium to high-density buildings. Focusing on denser formats offers lower entry costs and appeals to downsizers, real estate investors, and first-time buyers. Having about 475 residents for each approved dwelling points to a mature local market.

Looking ahead, the suburb of Dee Why is projected to add 3,048 new inhabitants by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. Although construction is matching these demographic forecasts, incoming residents may face heightened market competition as population numbers rise.

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

Local area performance is heavily shaped by changes to municipal infrastructure, major developments, and town planning schemes. AreaSearch has tracked 14 developments that are expected to influence the local area. Principal undertakings include the Northern Beaches Coast Walk, Casa Delmar, the residential and commercial project at 154-158 Pacific Parade, and Havana Dee Why, with details of the most significant projects presented below.

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

Dee Why features a highly educated labor force, with professional services holding a prominent share and an unemployment rate of 5.4%, reflecting steady employment conditions throughout the previous twelve months according to AreaSearch's compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 15,777 residents are employed, and the local unemployment rate stands at 1.3% higher than Greater Sydney's 4.1%, while workforce participation reaches 76.9%, which exceeds Greater Sydney's 69.1%. Census data indicates that 36.9% of residents worked from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Local employment is heavily represented in healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Accommodation & food services show a particularly high concentration, employing workers at 1.4 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing accounts for only 3.4% of the workforce, which is lower than the Greater Sydney level of 5.3%. A comparison between the Census-recorded local workforce and the resident population highlights that this largely residential area offers few local jobs.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, shows that over the 12 months to March 2026, the labour force grew by 1.4% while employment fell by 0.1%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 1.9% and the labour force expand by 1.9%, with only a slight decline in the unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context for potential future demand in Dee Why. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been compared with the local employment structure to estimate growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth varies considerably across industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Dee Why's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years. This projection is a straightforward weighting exercise intended for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate local population projections.

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest postcode-level ATO data from the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Dee Why recorded a median income of $58,931 and an average income of $88,771. These figures are high on a national scale, comparing to Greater Sydney medians and averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields estimated current figures of approximately $65,013 for the median and $97,932 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that personal, family, and household earnings in the suburb of Dee Why are elevated, placing between the 72nd and 84th percentiles across the country. The largest income group comprises 37.6% of residents (9,535 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, reflecting the regional trend where 30.9% are in this bracket. While high housing expenses absorb 20.7% of earnings, solid incomes keep disposable funds at the 65th national percentile, and the local SEIFA income score falls 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

According to the latest Census data, residential housing in the suburb of Dee Why consists of 15.3% separate houses and 84.7% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached properties, units, and other structures), contrasting with the Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Dee Why stood at 21.5%, trailing the Sydney metropolitan average, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (48.5%). Mortgaged households faced a median monthly repayment of $2,457, while the median weekly rent stood at $550, compared to Greater Sydney metrics of $2,427 and $470. These mortgage payments are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels similarly exceed the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 64.6%, consisting of couples with offspring (25.6%), couples without offspring (28.1%), and single parents (9.8%). Non-family households represent the remaining 35.4%, which includes single-person households at 29.5% and group households at 5.8%. The average household size of 2.3 individuals 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 local scholastic profile is distinct within the region, as university graduation rates (comprising 40.1% of residents aged 15 and over) outpace the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW state benchmark of 32.2%, indicating a strong local focus on higher learning. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational and technical training is also well represented, with 32.2% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational certificates, including advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificate qualifications (18.5%).

Academic enrollment is high, with 26.6% of the population participating in some form of structured learning. This group includes 6.8% attending primary school, 5.9% in higher education courses, and 5.1% undergoing secondary schooling.

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

Public transit records show 80 active stops operating in the suburb of Dee Why, consisting of various bus services. These locations are connected by 91 separate routes, which combine to support 9,234 passenger trips each week. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 106 meters from their nearest stop. Being mostly residential, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 69%, buses at 17%, and walking at 7%. Households own an average of 0.8 cars, which is below the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents, 36.9%, worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.

Transit services average 1,319 journeys daily across the network, translating to about 115 weekly trips for each individual stop.

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

Health profiles for the suburb of Dee Why show favorable results, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and chronic diseases indicating low rates of common illnesses across all age groups, while private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 62% of the population (15,711 people). This is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues represent the most common conditions, affecting 6.1% and 5.8% of the population, respectively. However, 78.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Individuals aged 65 and over make up 14.0% of the population (3,550 people), which is lower than the Greater Sydney proportion of 15.5%. Senior citizens exhibit strong health profiles, with national rankings aligning closely with the general public.

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

The suburb of Dee Why ranks highly for multicultural representation, with 35.6% of the population using a language other than English at home and 46.2% born in another country. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.5% of the population. The most prominent relative difference is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 5.0% of the population compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birthplace, the three largest groups are English at 22.9%, Other at 18.3%, and Australian at 17.0%. There are also notable differences for other backgrounds: Serbian ancestry is represented at 1.5% in the suburb of Dee Why (compared to 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.1% (compared to 0.6%), and French at 0.9% (compared to 0.5%).

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

The median age in the suburb of Dee Why is 36 years, matching closely with the Greater Sydney average of 37 and sitting slightly below the national median of 38. The suburb of Dee Why has a higher share of residents aged 25 - 34 (20.8%) compared to Greater Sydney, but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (7.5%). The 25 - 34 age bracket is significantly larger than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.7% to 4.6%, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 8.7% to 7.5%. Demographic projections indicate the age profile will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 68% (adding 795 residents to reach 1,962). Seniors aged 65 and over are projected to account for 55% of total growth, highlighting aging trends, while the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to contract.