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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Palm Beach (NSW) is $4.39m, with units at $1.70m. House values have moved -0.9% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Palm Beach (NSW) has an estimated 1,890 residents, up from 1,652 at the 2021 Census — a change of 238 people, or 14.4%. Growth has averaged 3.0% a year over five years, faster than 83% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 97.0% of that increase. That puts 708 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Demographic assessments by AreaSearch incorporating broader ABS updates and post-Census address validations place the resident count for the suburb of Palm Beach (NSW) at approximately 1,890 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 238 people (14.4%) from the 2021 Census tally of 1,652 people. This revised figure builds upon the June 2025 ABS ERP release indicating 1,887 residents, alongside 3 validated new addresses confirmed since Census day. The local population density stands at 707 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical benchmarks across AreaSearch study areas. Surpassing both the wider SA4 territory and the SA3 area (2.5%), the suburb of Palm Beach (NSW) emerged as a standout growth performer with its 14.4% rise since the 2021 census.
Inbound overseas migration was the overwhelming catalyst, generating roughly 97.0% of these recent population increases. Forecast modeling utilizes the ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 projections published in 2024 (using 2022 as a baseline), while geographic sectors outside this scope rely on NSW State Government SA2 releases from 2022 (benchmarked to 2021). Age-specific expansion trajectories derived from these datasets are projected forward across the years 2032 to 2041. Over the longer horizon, the suburb of Palm Beach (NSW) is projected to track within the lower quartile of Australian statistical territories, with aggregated SA2 figures pointing to an addition of 48 persons to 2041, translating to an overall climb of 2.4% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
22 new dwellings have been approved in Palm Beach (NSW) over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That places the area in the 79th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 42, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to ABS building consent data compiled by AreaSearch, residential building activity has averaged roughly 4 new dwelling approvals annually, amounting to 22 homes across the past 5 financial years. In FY-25 to date, 42 approvals have been authorized. Between FY-21 and FY-25 over the past 5 financial years, incoming population demand has run ahead of building volumes at an average of 4.1 new residents per year per finished residence, intensifying buyer competition and upward pricing pressure. Newly approved dwellings carry an average estimated construction value of $1,771,000, underscoring strong builder focus on high-end luxury residential projects.
In contrast, non-residential approvals stand at $48,000 this financial year, confirming that capital investment remains overwhelmingly residential. On a per-capita basis, local residential approvals exceed Greater Sydney by 148.0%, offering prospective purchasers a broad range of options. Recent approvals encompass 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% attached dwellings, introducing a diversified assortment of medium-density formats that range from family residences to smaller layouts. Given that existing housing stock consists of 89.0% houses, this shift highlights both changing lifestyle and budget considerations as well as constrained land supplies. With 58 people per dwelling approval, the locality displays key metrics of an active residential development hub. Longer-term demographic forecasts from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly update anticipate a net gain of 45 residents by 2041. Under existing building approval rates, upcoming housing construction is well-positioned to satisfy accommodation requirements, maintaining balanced market conditions and potentially accommodating population growth ahead of current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Palm Beach (NSW)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Palm Beach (NSW), worth an estimated $69 million. A further 60 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.72 billion. 13 are already under construction and 14 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Public works, strategic planning initiatives, and civic development projects play a major role in shaping regional property dynamics. AreaSearch has highlighted 3 projects expected to influence the local area: Snappermans, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shop-Top Housing (Former General Store site), Palm Beach Rock Pool Renewal, and Mona Vale Hospital Reconfiguration.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Snappermans, Palm Beach
Luxury residential and retail shop-top development named 'Snappermans' by IPM Property, designed by Koichi Takada Architects. The NSW Land and Environment Court approved the four-storey mixed-use development, which includes five luxury apartments and two ground-floor retail tenancies.
Palm Beach Shop-Top Housing (Former General Store site)
Court-approved mixed-use (shop-top housing) replacing the former Palm Beach General Store site opposite Palm Beach Wharf. Final scheme reduced during proceedings from 7 to 5 apartments above ground-floor retail with basement parking. Community opposition focused on height, heritage setting next to Barrenjoey House, and streetscape impacts. As of early 2025, works had not commenced.
Palm Beach Rock Pool Renewal
Renewal and upgrade of the historic Palm Beach rock pool including structural improvements, accessibility enhancements, and safety upgrades. Community consultation completed.
Northern Beaches Local Strategic Planning Statement - Towards 2040
The Northern Beaches Council's strategic planning document outlining the land use vision, principles, priorities, and actions for housing, employment, transport, recreation, environment, and infrastructure across the Northern Beaches Local Government Area over the next 20 years. It guides future development and informs local planning instruments.
Avalon Beach Bike Facility
New bike parking and maintenance facility at Avalon Beach to support cycling infrastructure and encourage sustainable transport options. Community consultation completed with construction expected to begin in 2025.
100 Hilltop Road House Construction
Construction of a new house at 100 Hilltop Road, Avalon Beach. Development application DA2025/0448 with construction value of $1,003,997.
Newport Surf Life Saving Club Alterations and Additions
Alterations and additions to the heritage-listed Newport Surf Life Saving Club building, featuring a new contemporary northern extension, modern training rooms, a lift, and enhanced community amenities. The project also encompasses critical coastal protection infrastructure, including a buried seawall to mitigate ongoing beach erosion risks. Planning approval was determined by the Sydney North Planning Panel.
Coast Newport
An exclusive collection of eight three-bedroom apartments designed by PopovBass Architecture, offering luxury coastal living just metres from Newport Beach and the village. All apartments are reported as sold, with one sale recorded in late 2023.
791 residents of Palm Beach (NSW) are employed, from a labour force of 817. Unemployment sits at 3.2%, with participation at 47.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce data synthesized by AreaSearch shows a highly qualified local talent pool featuring strong tech-sector representation, steady twelve-month employment levels, and a low jobless rate of 3.2%. As of March 2026791 residents are gainfully employed. The local unemployment rate sits 0.9% beneath the Greater Sydney figure of 4.1%, whereas labour participation registers at 47.3%, well below the broader metropolitan level of 68.9%. Census records indicate that 50.6% of workers operated from home, though pandemic-era movement constraints should be noted. Local workers are predominantly engaged in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food.
In particular, professional & technical roles are heavily concentrated, commanding an employment share 1.6 times the metropolitan baseline. By comparison, health care & social assistance accounts for 8.2% of local workers, underperforming the regional benchmark of 14.1%. Comparing resident counts with Census-recorded local jobs suggests that a substantial portion of the community travels outside the area for employment. According to ABS and SALM figures aggregated by AreaSearch, the year to March 2026 saw local labour supply expand by 0.4% alongside a 0.3% dip in employment, pushing the unemployment rate up by 0.5 percentage points. Conversely, Greater Sydney registered 1.9% employment growth, a 1.9% rise in the labour pool, and a slight reduction in joblessness. Broader industry outlooks published by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 provide context for future local labour needs across five and ten-year horizons. Nationally, total employment is projected to climb by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely across sectors. Applying these industry projections to the local workforce distribution yields an estimated local employment expansion of 7.1% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (note that this weighting extrapolation is purely illustrative and excludes localized demographic changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Palm Beach (NSW) is $2,807 a week (about $146,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,295 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $68,415 a year against an average of $154,182. The average runs 125% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxpayer records for financial year 2023 aggregated by AreaSearch show a median income of $68,415 and an average income of $154,182, placing the community in the top national percentile compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003. Applying cumulative Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023 elevates estimated figures to $75,475 (median) and $170,094 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings all tracked between the 94th and 95th percentiles across Australia. A high-earning cohort of 35.6% (672 individuals) earns $4000+, differing from the broader metropolitan area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is largest at 30.9%.
Weekly earnings exceed $3,000 for 47.7% of residents, demonstrating strong spending capacity. Residential shelter expenses claim 13.6% of income, while overall earnings place the community in the 95th percentile for disposable funds and the 8th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Palm Beach (NSW) had 665 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 10% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 17% rented and 58% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $895 a week and the median mortgage repayment $4,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 89% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 31.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 32.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, standalone homes made up 89.3% of the housing environment, while 10.7% consisted of other dwellings (apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternate dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro where standalone houses formed 55.9% and other dwellings accounted for 44.1%. Full ownership reached 58.1%, substantially outpacing the metropolitan rate, while 24.9% of properties carried a mortgage and 17.0% were leased. Typical monthly home loan repayments were $4,000, compared to the Sydney metro median of $2,427 and the Australian average of $1,863. Median weekly rent stood at $895, noticeably higher than the Sydney metro figure of $470 and the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Palm Beach (NSW) counted 665 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 761 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 77% of areas nationally, against 42% couples without children. 25% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 73.2% of all households, consisting of couples without children (41.8%), couples with children (22.9%), and single parent families (7.5%). The remaining 26.8% comprises non-family living arrangements, with lone person households accounting for 24.5% and group households representing 1.7%. The typical household size is 2.3 people, which sits beneath the Greater Sydney standard of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
45.8% of adults in Palm Beach (NSW) hold a university qualification, including 31.6% with a bachelor degree and 11.4% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 93% of areas nationally. A further 15.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Academic credentials among residents aged 15+ are exceptionally high, with 45.8% possessing university degrees, compared to 32.2% across NSW and 30.4% in Australia. Holders of Bachelor degrees constitute 31.6% of the population, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Technical and trade qualifications are also well represented, with 28.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (15.9%). Ongoing academic enrollment is strong, with 21.0% of residents actively participating in educational courses. This comprises 6.4% attending secondary school, 5.7% in primary school, and 5.0% enrolled in higher education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Palm Beach (NSW) reaches 32 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 4,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 140 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit connectivity is supported by 32 operational ferry and bus stops distributed across 8 routes, delivering 4,211 scheduled passenger departures each week. Commuter access is rated as excellent, with the typical residence located 135 meters from the closest stop. Outbound commuting is prevalent, with private vehicles accounting for 92% of journeys and walking representing 5%. Vehicle ownership sits above the regional benchmark at 1.7 per household. Additionally, 50.6% of residents reported working from home in the 2021 Census, reflecting conditions during that period. Transit services provide an average volume of 601 daily trips across the local network, translating to roughly 131 weekly services per individual boarding point.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
70.2% of residents in Palm Beach (NSW) report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 98% of areas nationally. 3.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 87.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 1.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate excellent medical outcomes, characterized by low mortality and low rates of chronic illness across all demographic brackets. Private health insurance participation is remarkably strong, covering roughly 88% of residents (1,654 people), well above the Greater Sydney rate of 59.9% and the national baseline of 55.7%. The leading diagnosed conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and asthma (6.2%), while 70.2% of residents report no chronic medical conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age adults exhibit minimal health issues, and outcomes among older cohorts are robust. Residents aged 65 and over make up 38.7% of the locality (731 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney, with local senior health rankings tracking closely alongside general population metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Palm Beach (NSW) is largely Australian-born, at 77.5% of residents, with 5.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (36.6%) and Australian (21.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural metrics show a relatively homogeneous demographic profile, with Australian-born residents accounting for 77.5% of the population, Australian citizens comprising 91.1%, and 94.6% speaking solely English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 53.0% of the community. Judaism shows the highest relative concentration compared to the wider region, representing 1.1% of residents versus 0.8% across Greater Sydney. Ancestral backgrounds are led by English (36.6%, compared to 19.0% regionally), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (11.1%, compared to 6.1% regionally). Notable variations in heritage representation also include Scottish at 10.3% (against 4.8% regionally), French at 1.1% (against 0.5%), and Spanish at 1.1% (against 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Palm Beach (NSW) is 57, older than 98% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 17.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The local population structure shows a substantial weighting toward older age brackets. As of August 2026, AreaSearch estimates that 38.7% of the community is aged 65+, compared to 15.5% across Greater Sydney, whereas young and middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44 represent 12.1% locally versus 31.4% regionally. The estimated median age as at August 2026 is 57, softening slightly from 58 at the 2021 Census, but remaining elevated compared to Census medians of 37 in Greater Sydney and 38 nationwide. The most pronounced demographic change since the Census occurred in the 0 - 24 youth category, expanding from 18.5% to an estimated 21.5%.
Looking ahead to 2041, seniors aged 65+ are forecast to generate the bulk of demographic expansion, increasing by 210 residents (29%) to 941, while the 0 - 24 cohort, middle-aged groups, and younger retirees are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Palm Beach (NSW)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Dec 2025 10 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Dec 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,652 at the 2021 Census → 1,890 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL13143). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.