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 May 2026, the estimated population of Elanora Heights is around 4,603, reflecting an increase of 22 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 4,602 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of 15 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,186 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 0.5% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 259 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 85 and over age group projected to grow by 150 people.

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

Elanora Heights recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 20 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26.

The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply 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 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. This is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 658 people per dwelling approval, Elanora Heights reflects a highly mature market. Population projections showing 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 projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this area. Notable projects are Warriewood Valley Release Area, Warriewood Square Redevelopment, Mona Vale Road East Upgrade, and Vantage Warriewood. Below details the most relevant projects.

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 well-educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,459 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%. According to Census responses, 49.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were professional & technical, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area had a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Finance & insurance was under-represented, at 4.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 0.5%, and employment declined by 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.1 percentage points. In 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 estimated a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elanora Heights' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did 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 in the suburb is $117,128. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Elanora Heights would be approximately $66,241 (median) and $129,216 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Elanora Heights rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 97th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 36.4% of residents (1,675 people) earn over $4,000 weekly, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 30.9%. A significant 51.0% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity that drives local economic activity. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income. Residents rank within the 96th percentile for disposable income and 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora Heights was at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,586, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Elanora Heights was $750, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Elanora Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,586 versus 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 account for the remaining 13.2%, with lone person households at 11.8% and group households comprising 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

In Elanora Heights, the proportion of residents aged 15 years and above with university degrees is 35.5%, compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. The most prevalent qualification is bachelor degrees at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.6% of residents aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas accounting for 14.0% and certificates for 19.6%. Educational participation is 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 facilitate 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. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 35 trips per day, 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

Elanora Heights shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (3,362 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.8% and 6.7% of residents respectively. 73.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Elanora Heights has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (902 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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' population shows cultural diversity similar to the wider area, with 78.6% born in Australia and 92.9% being citizens. English is spoken at home by 91.2%. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 55.1%.

Judaism, at 0.3%, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%. Top ancestry groups are English (30.1%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, South Australian (1.0% vs regional 0.5%), French (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Serbian (0.7% vs 0.5%) ancestry groups are overrepresented in Elanora Heights.

Elanora Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

Elanora Heights has a median age of 41 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Elanora Heights has an over-representation of the 5-14 age group (16.0%) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (6.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.4% to 14.5%, while those aged 85 and above increased from 2.0% to 3.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group declined from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Elanora Heights' age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 89%, adding 135 residents to reach a total of 287. This growth will be entirely due to demographic aging, with all anticipated population increases coming from those aged 65 and older. Meanwhile, populations in the 55-64 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decline.