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 the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Palm Beach (NSW) has an estimated population of around 1,654 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,652 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,642 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 619 persons per square kilometer. Palm Beach's 0.1% growth since census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area 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 of Palm Beach (NSW) expected to expand by 104 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.6% 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 3 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 16 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 4.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $2,537,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $48,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Palm Beach shows approximately 67% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent periods have seen increased development activity.

New developments consist of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shift from the current housing mix (89.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The area has an estimated 368 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts suggest Palm Beach will gain 92 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Palm Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Snappermans, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shop-Top Housing (formerly General Store site), Palm Beach Rock Pool Renewal, and Mona Vale Hospital Reconfiguration. The following list provides details on those projects deemed 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 Palm Beach has been broadly consistent with national averages

Palm Beach has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025796 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Palm Beach is significantly lower at 55.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 50.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. Palm Beach shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, 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 commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population relative to local population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 1.2% and employment by 1.6%, causing a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Palm Beach's median income among taxpayers was $68,415 and the average was $154,182. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high. Greater Sydney had a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Palm Beach would be approximately $74,477 (median) and $167,843 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows high rankings for Palm Beach in household, family, and personal incomes, between the 94th and 95th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 35.6% of locals (588 people) earning $4000+ annually, 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 achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income. 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

Palm Beach's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Beach stood at 58.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented dwellings at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Palm Beach was $895, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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 compose 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 account for 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 45.8% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%.

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 28.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 15.9%. Notably, a substantial 21.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education as of 2021, including 6.4% in secondary education, 5.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 32 active stops operating within Palm Beach. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. Eight individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 3,125 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward. Car remains dominant at 92%, while 5% walk.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above regional average. High 50.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 446 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 97 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Palm Beach's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment as of January 2023. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 88% of the total population (1,447 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.6% and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 70.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. As of January 2023, the area had 41.4% of residents aged 65 and over (684 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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. Christianity is the main religion in Palm Beach, comprising 53.0% of people, but Judaism is overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are English (36.6%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, Scottish (10.3%) and French (1.1%) were overrepresented, while Spanish (1.1%) was also higher than the regional average.

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 the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Palm Beach at 20.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's average, which is well above the national average of 9.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 3.7% in Palm Beach. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 14.6% to 17.6%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 8.4% to 11.3%. However, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 5.6% to 3.7%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 6.7% to 5.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Palm Beach, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to grow by 36%, adding 104 residents to reach 396. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, underscoring trends of demographic aging. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.