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 Dee Why statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 24,806 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,452 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 23,354. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,747 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Dee Why (SA2) stands at 8,053 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This high density reflects the area's popularity and the value of its land resources. Dee Why's growth rate since the 2021 Census was higher than that of its surrounding SA3 area (3.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Dee Why are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for the Dee Why (SA2) area. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 3,590 persons, reflecting an increase of 14.3% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Dee Why shows around 110 residential properties approved annually from statistical area data. This totals approximately 550 homes over the past five financial years, FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed is 1.9 over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 4.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

Development projects average $1,063,000 in construction value, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties. In FY-26, $449,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating Dee Why's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dee Why has 58.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. New building activity comprises 18.0% standalone homes and 82.0% attached dwellings, catering to affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a low density market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Dee Why's population to grow by 3,549 residents through to 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite increasing competition among buyers as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to impact the area. 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.

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The employment landscape in Dee Why shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Dee Why has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 15,569 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 72.1%, surpassing Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area specialises in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 3.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 5.3%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Dee Why's labour force decreased by 0.4%, with employment decreasing by 2.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and the labour force by 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2%. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 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, though this is a simple extrapolation 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 median taxpayer income of $58,931 and an average income of $88,771 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was among the highest incomes in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $64,152 (median) and $96,636 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Dee Why ranked highly nationally, between the 72nd and 84th percentiles. Income analysis showed that 37.6% of Dee Why's population (9,327 individuals) had incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the broader area where this cohort represented 30.9%. High housing costs consumed 20.7% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The suburb'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 data, 15.3% of dwellings were houses while 84.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and others. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dee Why stood at 21.5%, with mortgaged properties at 30.0% and rented ones at 48.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,457, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Dee Why was $550, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Dee Why's mortgage repayments were higher at $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, consisting of 25.6% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 5.8% of the total. 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%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and NSW's 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 also prominent, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.7% and certificates at 18.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 6.8% in primary education, 5.9% in tertiary education, 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

Public transport analysis shows that Dee Why has 82 active transport stops currently operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by 91 individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips is 9,234.

Transport accessibility in the area is rated excellent with residents typically located around 106 meters from their nearest stop. Service frequency averages at 1,319 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 112 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 exhibits excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of 2021, approximately 62% of Dee Why's total population of 15,367 had private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 71.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Dee Why are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1% and 5.8% of residents respectively. A total of 78.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.7%. As of 2021, 13.5% of Dee Why residents are aged 65 and over, comprising 3,348 people, which is lower than Greater Sydney's 17.8%. The health outcomes among seniors in Dee Why are notably strong, largely aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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 people there, compared to Buddhism which comprises 5.0%, notably higher than the Greater Sydney average of 1.8%. In terms of ancestry, English is the most represented group at 22.9%, followed by Other at 18.3% and Australian at 17.0%.

While these figures are lower or higher than regional averages respectively, there are notable divergences in other ethnic groups such as Serbian (1.5% vs 0.6%), Spanish (1.1% vs 0.6%) and French (0.9% vs 1.1%).

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

At 36 years, Dee Why's median age is nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37. This is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Dee Why has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.6%). The concentration of residents aged 25-34 in Dee Why is well above the national average of 14.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 3.7% to 4.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 8.7% to 7.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Dee Why's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The projected growth for the 75 to 84 cohort is 81%, adding 900 residents to reach a total of 2,017. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 55% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 are projected to experience population declines.