Mona Vale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mona Vale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the estimated population of Mona Vale as of May 2026 is around 10,689. This shows a decrease of 188 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,877. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 10,596, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,328 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Mona Vale.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, Mona Vale is expected to grow by around 527 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of approximately 4.9% over the 16-year period.

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

Mona Vale has seen approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY26, totalling around 106 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Despite a decline in population during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $931,000, indicating a focus on premium segments. Commercial approvals, valued at $2.6 million so far this financial year, suggest the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Mona Vale shows around 67% of construction activity per person and ranks in the 11th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options but strong demand for established properties. This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% medium to high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a shift from the current 54.0% houses. Mona Vale's population is projected to grow by 434 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond forecasts.

Population forecasts indicate Mona Vale will gain 434 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mona Vale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Warriewood Valley Release Area, Pittwater Plaza Redevelopment, Mona Vale Place Plan, and Dove Lane Residences. 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.

Employment performance in Mona Vale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Mona Vale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate, as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data, is 3.2%. As of December 2025, Mona Vale's unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, but its workforce participation lags behind at 63.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

According to Census responses, 43.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among Mona Vale residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 3.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

In the 12-month period ending in May-25, Mona Vale saw a labour force decrease of 1.6% and an employment decline of 2.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. Conversely, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mona Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Mona Vale's median taxpayer income was $59,569 with an average of $95,706 in financial year 2023. This is notably high compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By March 2026, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,717 (median) and $105,583 (average). Mona Vale's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 80th and 83rd percentiles nationally based on 2021 Census figures. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant in Mona Vale with 27.8% of residents (2,971 people), slightly lower than the regional level of 30.9%. A significant portion, 38.8%, earn over $3,000 per week, indicating high affluence and supporting premium services. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 82nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Mona Vale, as per the latest Census evaluation, 53.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 46.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan areas which had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mona Vale stood at 46.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, higher than Sydney's average of $2,427. Weekly rent in Mona Vale was recorded at $650, compared to Sydney's $470. Nationally, Mona Vale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mona Vale has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.1% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Mona Vale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mona Vale's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 33.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. University degree holders lead at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.1%) and certificates (21.4%). Educational participation is high; 28.5% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mona Vale has 101 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 88 different routes that together facilitate 6,160 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Mona Vale is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 177 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 83% of residents, while 8% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Mona Vale, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 43.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 880 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Mona Vale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Mona Vale's health outcomes show exceptional results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low, especially among younger cohorts. Approximately 65% of Mona Vale's total population (6,911 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (6.4%). A higher proportion of residents, 71.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments than the Greater Sydney average of 74.6%. Mona Vale has a larger senior population, with 26.1% aged 65 and over (2,789 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. While health outcomes among seniors in Mona Vale are strong, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mona Vale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mona Vale's population, surveyed in June 2016, showed above-average cultural diversity with 10.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.7%. Judaism, at 0.3%, was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

For ancestry, English (32.1%) and Australian (24.6%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 17.8% respectively. Irish ancestry stood at 9.2%. Notable ethnic group divergences included Serbian (1.0%, vs regional 0.5%), Croatian (1.4%, vs 0.7%), and Hungarian (0.4%, vs 0.3%).

Mona Vale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Mona Vale is 46 years, which exceeds Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and is also higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The proportion of people aged 75-84 in Mona Vale is notably higher at 9.8% compared to the Greater Sydney average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.3%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.3% to 13.9%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.8%. Conversely, the proportion of people aged 5-14 has decreased from 12.1% to 10.1%, and those aged 35-44 have dropped from 10.9% to 8.9%. Population forecasts for Mona Vale indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow substantially, increasing by 412 people (99%) from 416 to 829. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 95% of the projected growth. Conversely, the populations in the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decline.