Monterey

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Monterey is estimated at around 4592 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 27 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4619 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4582, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3993 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 138 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 2.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Monterey has had approximately 20 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 102 homes. In FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $604,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen around $22.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Sydney. Recent construction comprises 46% detached dwellings and 54% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With approximately 195 people per dwelling approval, Monterey shows characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 128 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are predicted to impact this area. Notable projects include Sydney Metro West, St George Hospital Redevelopment Stage 3, Brighton RSL Memorial Club Redevelopment, and Northern Georges River Submain Upgrade. The following list details those considered 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 employment environment in Monterey shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Monterey has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment grew by 5.3% in the past year.

Residents' work participation rate is similar to Greater Sydney's at 70.2%. A significant 38.4% of residents worked from home according to Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has a high specialization with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 8.5% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, labour force by 5.5%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. Greater Sydney recorded lower employment growth at 2.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Monterey'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 extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Monterey has an average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Monterey is $53,070 and the average income stands at $67,189. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median income is $60,817 and average income is $83,003. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Monterey's median income would be approximately $57,772 and average income around $73,142 by September 2025. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Monterey cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The largest segment of residents earns between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, comprising 29.5% (1,354 residents), similar to the metropolitan region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Monterey, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Monterey's latest Census data shows 43.5% houses and 56.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Monterey was 38.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, above Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Monterey was $480, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Monterey's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.9% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Monterey places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

In Monterey Trail regional benchmarks, 31.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 38.7%. This disparity suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (18.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Monterey has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 1025 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 125 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Monterey's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 84%, while trains account for 8%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.4% of residents work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 146 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Monterey's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,456 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and diabetes (5.2%). A significant majority, 74.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Monterey has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 22.1% (1,014 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Monterey are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Monterey is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Monterey's population shows high cultural diversity, with 40.3% born overseas and 52.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Monterey, comprising 70.9%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Other (20.6%), Greek (18.7%), and Australian (11.9%).

Notably, Greeks are substantially higher than the regional average of 1.9%. Australians, however, are notably lower at 11.9%, compared to the regional average of 17.8%. There are also notable divergences in Spanish (1.8% vs 0.6%), Serbian (2.0% vs 0.5%), and Macedonian (3.6% vs 0.4%) representation.

Monterey hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Monterey's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding Australia's national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.0% of Monterey's population compared to Greater Sydney's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 55-64 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.0%, and the 35-44 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Monterey's age profile. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 518 people from the current 408. Those aged 65 and above will account for 94% of projected population growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 15-24 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.