Oatley

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Oatley is around 11,162 people. This figure represents an increase of 498 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,664. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,853 in June 2024 and the validation of 52 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,554 persons per square kilometer for Oatley, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 4.7% since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for Oatley.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate that the suburb of Oatley is expected to experience an increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the area's population is projected to expand by 1,043 persons, reflecting a total increase of 6.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Oatley has seen around 36 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 183 homes. By May 2026, 10 approvals have been recorded. The population in Oatley has declined recently, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $671,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, there have been $3.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Oatley shows 11.0% lower construction activity per person while it ranks among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 71.0% houses). The location has approximately 307 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Oatley is expected to grow by 734 residents through to 2041.

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

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Mortdale RSL Redevelopment, Mortdale Local Centre Development Control Plan, Former Oatley Bowling Club Redevelopment (Arthur Hardiman Reserve), and Oatley to Como Walkway Upgrade. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Oatley performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Oatley's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%.

In comparison to Greater Sydney, Oatley had an unemployment rate of 2.7% lower and a workforce participation rate of 6.1% higher (76.3%) in December 2025. According to Census responses, 58.9% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Notably, employment in education & training was at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services had lower representation at 3.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while labour force also grew by 5.3%, keeping unemployment broadly stable. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.2%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Oatley. Applying these projections to Oatley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Oatley had a median taxpayer income of $62,527 and an average income of $87,282. These figures rank among the highest in Australia, compared to Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth from 1 July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $68,067 (median) and $95,015 (average). The 2021 Census places Oatley's household, family, and personal incomes between the 84th and 91st percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.5% of Oatley residents earn over $4,000 annually (3,292 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 43.0% earning over $3,000 weekly after housing costs, reflecting strong purchasing power and a SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Oatley, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 70.9% houses and 29.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oatley stood at 46.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Oatley was $490, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Oatley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.1% of all households, including 42.4% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 19.5% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Oatley is notably high, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications as of the latest data point, compared to national figures of 30.4% and state figures of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 29.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (15.7%). Educational participation is particularly high in the area, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Oatley has 65 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 routes, collectively facilitating 2,372 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains dominant at 83%, while train usage stands at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, above regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 58.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 338 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Oatley, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions have a very low prevalence across all age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (6,850 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.7 and 6.0% of residents respectively. 74.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Oatley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.5% (2,511 people), compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings similar to the general population.

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

Oatley's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.2% born overseas and 28.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Oatley, accounting for 61.1%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (21.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Chinese (11.9%).

Notably, Croatian (2.2%) and Macedonian (2.1%) were overrepresented in Oatley compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Lebanese representation was also notable at 2.2%.

Oatley hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Oatley is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 12.2% of the population, while the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.8% to 14.1%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 6.2% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 13.4% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Oatley's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 344 people (41%), growing from 837 to 1,182. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting Oatley's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.