Malabar

Malabar is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Malabar is around 4,896. This figure represents an increase of 182 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,714. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2025. The current population density is approximately 1,371 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Malabar are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the suburb is projected to have above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the area's population is expected to increase by 597 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.1% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Malabar, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Malabar had around 13 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 67 homes. In FY2025-26 so far, four approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply is keeping pace with demand and offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $722,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $60,000, showing minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Malabar maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, which is below average nationally due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 12.0% detached houses and 88.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 62.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Malabar has around 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low-density area. Future projections estimate Malabar will add approximately 592 residents by 2041 from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Malabar has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include the Malabar Ocean Pool Accessible Amenities Building, Jennifer St project in Little Bay, Yorktown Parade and Fitzgerald Avenue Affordable Housing Redevelopment, and Meriton Little Bay Development. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market performance in Malabar lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Malabar has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 9.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of December 2025, there were 1,966 residents employed, while the unemployment rate was 5.1%, higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was lower at 49.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Home work participation was high at 47.5%. Dominant sectors include education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional services. Education & training had an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while manufacturing was lower at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 5.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and unemployment marginally increase. 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 Malabar's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Malabar's median income among taxpayers is $52,024. The average income in the suburb is $72,885. This is higher than the national average. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Malabar would be approximately $57,393 (median) and $80,407 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Malabar cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 26.9% of residents earn over $4000 weekly (1,317 people). This is unlike regional trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Malabar exhibits income diversity with 31.3% earning under $800 weekly and 36.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating a mixed socioeconomic profile. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income in the suburb. However, strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Malabar displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Malabar, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.0% houses and 38.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Malabar was at 37.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (35.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Malabar was $3,900, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Malabar was recorded at $150, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Malabar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Malabar features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.7% of all households, including 35.9% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 38.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 54.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 23.6%. Educational participation is high, with 45.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 15.1% in secondary education, 14.8% in primary education, and 8.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Malabar has 69 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 1,696 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 127 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents, while buses are used by 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Malabar.

According to the 2021 Census, 47.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 242 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Malabar's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Malabar residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions were broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions was quite low among the general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 56% (~2,728 people) of Malabar residents had private health cover, compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (7.9%), with 68.1% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65 residents had better than average health outcomes. Malabar has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,111 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%, but lower nationally when considering the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Malabar was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Malabar's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.1% born overseas and 20.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Malabar, making up 64.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Malabar, comprising 1.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.5%), Australian (20.9%), and Irish (10.5%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include French at 1.6% (vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian at 0.7% (vs 0.3%), and Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Malabar hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Malabar is 46 years, notably exceeding Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is also higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. In comparison to Greater Sydney, the cohort aged 55-64 is over-represented in Malabar at 14.3%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 10.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.4% to 13.5%, while the cohorts aged 5-14 and 45-54 have decreased from 9.4% to 8.1% and 16.6% to 15.6%, respectively. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Malabar. The cohort aged 65-74 is projected to expand by 173 people (30%), from 582 to 756. This expansion reflects the aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 66% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 5-14 are expected to experience population declines.