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

The estimated population of the suburb of Malabar was around 4,849 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 4,714 people. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS data up to June 2024, which showed a resident population of 4,786. The population density in Malabar was calculated as 1,358 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth in Malabar since the Census date has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government projections for areas not covered by this data, using a base year of 2021. Looking ahead, Malabar is projected to have above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 625 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 11.6% over the 17-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 in Malabar shows approximately 13 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 67 homes. As of April 2026, four approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply is keeping pace with demand and offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $722,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In the current financial year ending June 2026, approximately $60,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. When compared to Greater Sydney, Malabar maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This is below average nationally, reflecting 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 182 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Malabar is projected to add 562 residents by 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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 that could affect this region. Notable ones are Malabar Ocean Pool Accessible Amenities Building, Jennifer St, Little Bay, Yorktown Parade and Fitzgerald Avenue Affordable Housing Redevelopment, and Meriton Little Bay Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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 professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 9.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of December 2025, 1,979 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 4.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was lower at 51.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant 47.5% of residents worked from home, possibly due to Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors were education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Malabar had a high specialization in education & training (1.5 times the regional level) but lower representation in manufacturing (3.1% vs regional average of 5.7%).

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, and labour force grew by 3.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and labour force grow by 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Malabar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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, with an average of $72,885. This is above the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Malabar would be approximately $56,633 (median) and $79,343 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Malabar cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 26.9% of residents (1,304 people), unlike trends at regional levels where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Malabar exhibits notable income diversity with 31.3% earning under $800 weekly and 36.2% exceeding $3,000, creating a mixed socioeconomic profile. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, though strong earnings still 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

Malabar's dwelling structures, 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 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.9% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Malabar was $3,900, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. The median weekly rent in Malabar was $150, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Malabar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,900 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $150 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households making up 1.7% of the total. 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 the 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 operational 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 area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 127 meters away from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to Malabar being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while bus usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 47.5%, work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 242 trips per day across all routes, 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 are broadly inline with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, but higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very high, at approximately 56% of the total population (around 2,702 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 68.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Malabar has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,129 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney, but ranks lower nationally than 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 showed high cultural diversity, with 27.1% born overseas and 20.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Malabar, comprising 64.4%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 1.8% of Malabar's population.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (23.5%), Australian (20.9%), and Irish (10.5%). Notable divergences included French (1.6% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (0.7% vs 0.3%), and Russian (0.7% vs 0.4%) groups being more represented in Malabar than regionally.

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

The median age in Malabar is 46 years, which is notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 65-74 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Malabar at 12.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.9%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.4% to 13.1% of Malabar's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 9.4% to 8.3%, and the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 11.0% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Malabar, with the 65 to 74 age cohort projected to expand by 171 people (29%), from 586 to 758. The aging population trend is clear, as those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.