North Narrabeen

North Narrabeen 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 North Narrabeen is around 6,161, reflecting an increase of 145 people since the 2021 Census. This growth of 2.4% places North Narrabeen within 0.1 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 2.5%. The population density stands at 2,454 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This increase was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 75% of overall population gains during recent periods. According to ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 167 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts such as the 75 to 84 age group are projected to grow by 222 people over this period.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 167 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 222 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

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

North Narrabeen recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 20 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during these years. This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $700,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Compared to Greater Sydney, North Narrabeen has significantly less development activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, it is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity in North Narrabeen shows a mix of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% medium to high-density housing, with an increasing number of townhouses and apartments. This shift from the current 90.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 1351 people per approval, North Narrabeen is a mature, established area. Population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which could benefit potential buyers.

North Narrabeen has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 16 potential impact projects in total. Major initiatives include Warriewood Community Centre, Warriewood Valley Release Area, Warriewood Square Redevelopment, and Vantage Warriewood. The following details projects likely 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 North Narrabeen has been broadly consistent with national averages

North Narrabeen's workforce is well-educated with a notable technology sector presence. The unemployment rate stands at 3.6%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, 3,471 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is 72.6%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses indicate that 43.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employment is particularly high at 1.7 times the regional average.

Finance & insurance has limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by working population vs resident population counts from Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, North Narrabeen's labour force decreased by 0.5% while employment declined by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that North Narrabeen's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that North Narrabeen has an extremely high median income of $59,364 and an average income of $90,842. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since June 2023, estimated incomes for North Narrabeen as of March 2026 would be approximately $65,490 (median) and $100,217 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in North Narrabeen rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 94th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.9% of individuals in North Narrabeen earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the surrounding region where 30.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Economic strength is evident with 45.4% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 93rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

North Narrabeen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

North Narrabeen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Narrabeen was at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 18.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,200, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in North Narrabeen was $665, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, North Narrabeen's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

North Narrabeen features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.7 percent of all households, including 46.7 percent couples with children, 22.3 percent couples without children, and 11.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.3 percent, with lone person households making up 16.8 percent and group households comprising 2.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

North Narrabeen has educational qualifications that differ from regional benchmarks: 32.3% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 41.5%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 22.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (24.5%). Educational participation is high: 31.2% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (11.2%), secondary (9.1%), and tertiary (4.1%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Narrabeen has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 67 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,813 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 144 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 43% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 401 trips per day, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per stop.

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

North Narrabeen'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. Approximately 63% of North Narrabeam's total population (3,866 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in North Narrabeen, affecting 7.0% and 6.0% of residents respectively. 76.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. North Narrabeen has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,053 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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

North Narrabeen's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, with 78.2% of residents born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 90.0% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 49.5% of North Narrabeen's population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 0.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (30.4%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (8.5%), each exceeding regional averages. Other ethnicities with significant representation include Hungarian (0.4%), Dutch (1.9%), and South Australian (0.9%).

North Narrabeen's population is slightly older than the national pattern

North Narrabeen has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 years. This is also marginally higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in North Narrabeen at 13.2%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.7% to 15.4% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.7% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 10.0% to 8.3%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 15.2% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests North Narrabeen's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 206 people (54%), from 381 to 588. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.