Palm Beach (NSW)

Palm Beach is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Palm Beach, NSW, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 1,646 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 6 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,652 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,636, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 616 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Palm Beach has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 97.0% 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, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 105 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Palm Beach recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Palm Beach has averaged around 2 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 10 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26.

This averages to about 7.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $2,537,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Sydney, Palm Beach shows substantially reduced construction, 59.0% below regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 332 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Palm Beach is expected to grow by 128 residents through to 2041, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases if current development rates continue.

Looking ahead, Palm Beach is expected to grow by 128 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Palm Beach 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 three projects that may affect this region: Snappermans, Palm Beach Shop-Top Housing (formerly General Store site), and Palm Beach Rock Pool Renewal are key initiatives. Mona Vale Hospital Reconfiguration is also notable. 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 assessment positions Palm Beach ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Palm Beach has a highly educated workforce with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025810 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Palm Beach lags at 52.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. Professional & technical services have a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 8.2%, compared to the regional average of 14.1%. Many residents appear to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 0.7% while employment declined by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points in Palm Beach. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palm Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022 shows Palm Beach had a median income of $68,415 and an average income of $154,182 among taxpayers. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. As of September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth since June 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $77,042 (median) and $173,624 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Palm Beach ranks highly nationally for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 94th and 95th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Palm Beach is 35.6% of locals (585 people) earning $4000 or more, differing from the regional norm where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Economic strength is evident with 47.7% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing expenses account for 13.6% of income, and residents rank within the 95th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

The latest Census data shows that Palm Beach's dwelling structure was 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 72.1% houses and 27.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Beach stood at 58.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,200. The median weekly rent in Palm Beach was $895, compared to Sydney metro's $695. Nationally, Palm Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 41.8% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Palm Beach residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications than Australia's national average. Specifically, 45.8% of Palm Beach residents hold such qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This is also higher than the state of New South Wales (NSW), where 32.2% of residents have university qualifications. Bachelor degrees are most common in Palm Beach at 31.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 12.9% and certificates for 15.9% of this group. A significant number of Palm Beach residents are actively pursuing education: 21.0%. This includes 6.4% in secondary education, 5.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities may not be within immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Palm Beach. These comprise a mix of ferry and bus services. There are 8 individual routes in total, collectively providing 2,943 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 420 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 91 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palm Beach's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Palm Beach residents show favourable health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 88%, compared to 74.1% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 8.6% and 6.2% respectively.

70.2% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 72.8%. The area has 38.9% residents aged 65 and over (640 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 24.1%. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Palm Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palm Beach's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 77.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Palm Beach is Christianity, accounting for 53.0% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, with 1.1% of Palm Beach's population identifying as Jewish (versus 0.3% regionally).

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 36.6%, Australian at 21.2%, and Irish at 11.1%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.3% (versus 8.7% regionally), French at 1.1% (versus 0.8%), and Spanish at 1.1% (versus 0.4%).

Palm Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Palm Beach is 58 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented in Palm Beach at 19.5%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 4.3%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 8.4% to 10.5%, while those aged 75 to 84 have increased from 14.6% to 16.3%. Conversely, the cohort aged 55 to 64 has declined from 18.6% to 16.9%, and the group aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 6.7% to 5.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Palm Beach, with the strongest projected growth in the 75 to 84 age cohort at 46%, adding 122 residents to reach 391. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, underscoring trends of demographic aging. Conversely, both cohorts aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 are expected to see reduced numbers.