Lane Cove West

Population growth drivers in Lane Cove West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Lane Cove West statistical area is around 3,254. This reflects an increase of 108 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,146. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,252 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,925 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Lane Cove West has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with Lane Cove West expected to increase by 226 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Lane Cove West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Lane Cove West has averaged approximately one dwelling receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated seven homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates around 29 new residents per year. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $1,062,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $2.1 million, reflecting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Sydney, where Lane Cove West has 93.0% less development activity per person. This scarcity of new properties often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, the area's development activity is also below average, potentially due to its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in Lane Cove West consists of equal parts detached dwellings and townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 6538 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Lane Cove West is projected to add 268 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Lane Cove West has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Lane Cove North Affordable Housing Project, Mindarie Street Social Housing Development, Sterling Apartments, and Arena Lane Cove. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Lane Cove West has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Lane Cove West has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.8%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,838 residents are employed while its unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in the area stands at 69.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Residents' employment is concentrated in professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. Notably, professional & technical services have an employment level that is 1.7 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.5% employment compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7%, but employment decreased by 0.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lane Cove West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Lane Cove West suburb has exceptionally high income levels nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median taxpayer income is $73,049 and average income stands at $120,409, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $79,521 (median) and $131,077 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Lane Cove West, between the 94th and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 38.2% of residents (1,243 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, differing from broader areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Notably, 49.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 95th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Lane Cove West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Lane Cove West with 54.5% houses and 45.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 41.1% houses and 58.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lane Cove West was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones at 44.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,769, higher than Sydney metro's $3,033. The median weekly rent figure was $570, compared to Sydney metro's $560. Nationally, Lane Cove West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

Lane Cove West has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 41.5% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Lane Cove West demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Lane Cove West has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 55.7% possessing university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. The area's educational advantage is evident in various qualification types: Bachelor degrees at 35.2%, postgraduate qualifications at 15.9%, and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational pathways account for 20.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates also at 10.4%.

Educational participation is significantly high in Lane Cove West, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 24 active transport stops operating within Lane Cove West. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 26 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 2013 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 83 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lane Cove West demonstrates excellent health outcomes with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 74% of the total population (2,418 people), compared to 79.5% in Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.7% and 6.3% of residents respectively.

A majority, 77.2%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 78.0% in Greater Sydney. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.5% (471 people), compared to 15.7% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

Lane Cove West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lane Cove West has a significant cultural diversity, with 30.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lane Cove West, accounting for 50.4% of the population. While Judaism makes up only 0.8%, it is slightly higher compared to Greater Sydney's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 19.9%, Australian at 18.9%, and Other at 15.7%. Notably, Hungarian (0.6% vs 0.4%), New Zealand (1.1% vs 0.7%), and Croatian (1.0% vs 0.7%) populations are overrepresented in Lane Cove West compared to regional averages.

Lane Cove West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lane Cove West has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 18.1%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.4% of the population, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.9%. However, during this period, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Lane Cove West's age structure. Notably, the 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 116 people and reaching a total of 374 from its current figure of 257. Meanwhile, both the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.