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 Nov 2025, the population of the Elanora Heights statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 4,618 people. This reflects an increase of 37 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,581 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 4,612 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,190 persons per square kilometer. Elanora Heights' 0.8% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. According to these projections, over this period, the area's population is expected to reduce by 302 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 149 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 for Elanora Heights shows approximately 2 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 11 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26.

The population has been declining recently, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $764,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. Compared to Greater Sydney, Elanora Heights has significantly less development activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though development activity has increased in recent periods. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Building activity shows 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points.

This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 94.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Elanora Heights has around 1308 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. With population projections showing stability or decline, housing demand pressures are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

Elanora Heights has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. Five key projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the region: 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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Employment performance in Elanora Heights exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Elanora Heights has a well-educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 2,496 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Elanora Heights is 67.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents are professional & technical, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Finance & insurance has limited presence, with 4.1% employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data from NSW shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elanora Heights' employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Elanora Heights at $60,044 and average income at $117,128. In Greater Sydney, median income is $60,817 and average income is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,364 (median) and $127,506 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Elanora Heights' household, family, and personal incomes between the 82nd and 97th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 36.4% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with surrounding regions where earnings predominantly fall within $1,500 - $2,999 band. High weekly earnings exceed $3,000 for 51.0% of households, indicating strong consumer spending power. Housing expenses account for 15.1% of income, and residents rank 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Elanora Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 72.1% houses and 27.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora Heights was 43%, with the rest being mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (12.5%), similar to Sydney metro's figures. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,586, above Sydney metro's average of $3,200. Median weekly rent in Elanora Heights was $750, compared to Sydney metro's $695. Nationally, Elanora Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 86.8% of all households, including 52.7% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 13.2%, with lone person households at 11.8% and group households at 1.7%. The median household size is 3.2 people, 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

Educational qualifications in Elanora Heights trail regional benchmarks, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (19.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents 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 together offer 246 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 209 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, which equates to 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 shows exceptional results across Elanora Heights, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is approximately 73%, covering 3,372 people, which is notably higher than the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.8% and 6.7% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 73.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 72.8%. The percentage of residents aged 65 and over is 18.8%, totaling 868 people, which is lower than Greater Sydney's 24.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Elanora Heights are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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, as shown by its population born in Australia (78.6%), citizens (92.9%), and English-only speakers (91.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion (55.1%). While Judaism's representation is similar to Greater Sydney at 0.3%, notable overrepresentation occurs among South Africans (1.0% vs regional 0.8%), French (0.8% vs 0.8%), and Serbians (0.7% vs 0.5%).

The top ancestral groups are English (30.1%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (8.5%).

Elanora Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

Elanora Heights' median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and somewhat older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Elanora Heights has a notably over-represented cohort aged 5-14 (16.4%) and an under-represented cohort aged 25-34 (6.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 12.4% to 14.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.3% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 7.1% to 6.0%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Elanora Heights' age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 119%, adding 142 residents to reach 263. Residents aged 65 and older will represent all anticipated population growth, while declines are projected for the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts.