Elanora Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Elanora Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Elanora Heights is around 4,632, reflecting a 1.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,581 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,612 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,193 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elanora Heights's growth rate since census (1.1%) is within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's rate (2.0%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 292 persons by 2041, while the 85 and over age group is projected to grow by 151 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Elanora Heights has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Around 20 homes have been approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26.

Despite population decline in recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $764,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Sydney, Elanora Heights has significantly less development activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although development activity has increased recently. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 654 people per dwelling approval, Elanora Heights reflects a highly mature market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Five key projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area: Warriewood Valley Release Area, Warriewood Square Redevelopment, Mona Vale Road East Upgrade, and Vantage Warriewood. Relevant details are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Elanora Heights ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Elanora Heights has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate stands at 3.3% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,525 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 49.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include professional & technical services, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, finance & insurance is under-represented, at 4.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 7.3%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 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 Elanora Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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 Elanora Heights' median income among taxpayers is $60,044. The average income is $117,128. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,364 (median) and $127,506 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data from 2021 ranks Elanora Heights' household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 82nd and 97th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 36.4% of residents (1,686 people) earn $4,000 or more weekly, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 30.9%. Notably, 51.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity and robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income, with residents ranking in the 96th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Elanora Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora Heights stands at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $3,586, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Elanora Heights is $750, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Elanora Heights' mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 86.8% of all households, consisting of 52.7% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.2%, with lone person households at 11.8% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Elanora Heights places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Elanora Heights' educational qualifications lag behind regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and over, 35.5% have university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent with 33.6% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 14.0% while certificates make up 19.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Elanora Heights has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that collectively facilitate 246 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data indicates notable results for Elanora Heights, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area shows very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 73% of the total population (3,383 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.8 and 6.7% of residents respectively. Around 73.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Elanora Heights has 19.5% of its population aged 65 and over (903 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are generally strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Elanora Heights' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area's average, with 78.6% of residents born in Australia, 92.9% being citizens, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 55.1%. Judaism, however, is more prevalent here than regionally, making up 0.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.1%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (8.5%), all higher than regional averages of 19.0%, 17.8%, and 4.6% respectively. Notably, South Australian, French, and Serbian ethnicities are overrepresented in Elanora Heights compared to the region's averages: 1.0% vs 0.5%, 0.8% vs 0.5%, and 0.7% vs 0.5%.

Elanora Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

Elanora Heights's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and somewhat older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Elanora Heights has a notably over-represented 5-14 cohort (16.2%) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (5.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.4% to 14.4%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.3% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 7.1% to 5.8%, and the 35-44 cohort dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Elanora Heights' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort (85%), adding 125 residents to reach 274. This growth is anticipated solely from residents aged 65 and older, while population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 25-34 years old.