Queenscliff (NSW)

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

Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new address datasets verified by AreaSearch since the Census indicates the population of the suburb of Queenscliff (NSW) is approximately 3,570 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 163 individuals (4.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,407 residents. This change is calculated from the resident population of 3,569 estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 4 verified new addresses added since the Census date. This population level translates to a density of 8,113 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of all national locations assessed by AreaSearch, showing that land here is in high demand. The 4.8% growth rate of the suburb of Queenscliff (NSW) since the 2021 census outperformed both the SA3 area (3.7%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately 65.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 using a 2021 baseline are applied. Age bracket growth rates from these datasets are projected forward for all areas from 2032 to 2041. Future demographic projections suggest the suburb of Queenscliff (NSW) will experience growth in the lower quartile of statistical areas assessed by AreaSearch, with the population projected to rise by 16 residents by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing an overall increase of 0.4% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Queenscliff has averaged approximately 7 residential approvals annually, totaling an estimated 37 homes over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 to date, 5 approvals have been registered. With an average of 1.4 people moving to the locality for every completed dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, supply and demand appear well-balanced, supporting stable market conditions. However, this has risen to 20 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, pointing to intensifying demand and potential supply constraints. Newly built properties carry an average construction value of $1,054,000, showing that developers are focusing on the higher-end premium market. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $15.9 million have been registered during this financial year, indicating a moderate level of commercial development activity.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Queenscliff sees roughly three-quarters of the per-capita residential building activity, placing it in the 10th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, which limits buyer choice and sustains interest in established homes. This level is also below the national average, reflecting the maturity of the suburb and suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% apartments or townhouses, with the growing share of medium and high-density housing providing diverse options across various price segments, from family residences to smaller, more affordable dwellings. New builds lean more heavily toward standalone houses than the existing housing stock (which stood at 17.0% at the Census), highlighting sustained demand for detached family homes despite density pressures. The area records approximately 1783 people for every dwelling approval, indicating a highly consolidated market.

Demographic projections indicate Queenscliff will add 15 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Looking at current construction trends, new dwelling supply is expected to comfortably satisfy demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially supporting population growth above current forecasts.

Queenscliff has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning decisions are key drivers of regional performance. In total, AreaSearch has identified 6 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include the Freshwater Beach Masterplan, The Alba, the Warringah Recreation Centre Upgrade, and the Harbord Hotel Planning Proposal (37-Room Hotel Wing), with the following list detailing those of primary relevance.

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 Queenscliff ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Queenscliff is home to a highly qualified labor force, with particularly strong representation in the technology industry, a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, and stable employment levels over the last year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, working residents numbered 2,406, while the unemployment rate was 0.7% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%. Labor force participation is exceptionally high at 78.0% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents (61.2%) worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in the context of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. The professional & technical sector is highly concentrated in the area, employing residents at 1.8 times the regional average rate. In contrast, health care & social assistance is less represented, accounting for 10.8% of local employment compared to the regional average of 14.1%. Although there are local jobs available, the ratio of the Census working population to the resident population suggests that a large proportion of residents travel to other areas for work.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from wider statistical areas, the year leading up to March 2026 saw the labor force grow by 0.5% while employment fell by 0.5%, resulting in a 1.0 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same period, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labor force growth of 1.9%, with a marginal drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide additional context for future demand patterns in Queenscliff. Five and ten-year projections mapped against the local industry profile estimate future growth trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry-specific projections to the local employment mix suggests Queenscliff's employment should grow by 7.4% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.

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

Income levels in Queenscliff are exceptionally high on a national scale, according to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year. The median taxpayer income in the area is $84,242 and the average income is $150,676, compared to Greater Sydney figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $92,936 for median income and $166,226 for average income as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Queenscliff all rank between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationally. Income distribution figures show the $4000+ weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 34.4% of residents (1,228 people), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common regionally at 30.9%. Affluence is high with 48.9% of residents earning over $3,000 weekly, which supports high-end retail and local services. Although high housing costs absorb 16.9% of incomes, strong earnings keep disposable income in the 95th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 10th decile.

Queenscliff features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The mix of housing in Queenscliff at the time of the latest Census consisted of 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, townhouses, and apartments), compared to the Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenscliff was slightly below the Sydney metropolitan average at 26.4%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (27.1%) or occupied by tenants (46.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $3,033 was well above the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $650 compared to the metropolitan average of $470. On a national level, Queenscliff's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well above the national median of $375.

Queenscliff features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 64.3%, consisting of couples without children at 36.0%, couples with children at 21.6%, and single parent families at 6.0%. Non-family households represent the remaining 35.7%, with single person households accounting for 27.3% and group shared households at 8.0%. The median household size of 2.2 persons is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Queenscliff demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Queenscliff is significantly higher than broader averages, with 56.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% across NSW. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational training is held by 23.6% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificate qualifications (12.3%).

A significant 22.1% of the local population is enrolled in formal education. This proportion includes 6.0% attending tertiary institutions, 5.3% in primary schools, and 5.0% undertaking secondary schooling.

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

Analysis of the public transport network shows 31 active bus stops operating in Queenscliff. These stops are served by 30 separate bus routes, which combined provide 3,155 passenger trips each week. Transport access is excellent, with residents living an average of 85 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the most common transit mode at 78%, followed by buses at 8% and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per household, which is below the regional average. A high proportion of residents (61.2%) worked from home according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era working patterns.

Service frequency averages 450 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 101 trips per week for each stop.

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

Health profiles for Queenscliff show excellent outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with low rates of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 86% of the population (3,076 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health conditions are the most common medical diagnoses in the area, affecting 6.7% and 4.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 79.8% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.2% of the population (435 people), which is lower than the Greater Sydney representation of 15.5%. Health outcomes among older residents are very strong, matching the high rankings seen in the broader local population.

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

Queenscliff exhibits greater cultural diversity than most comparable areas, with 16.1% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 39.3% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 38.6% of the population. The most prominent statistical overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who make up 0.4% of the population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds (parental country of birth), the three most common ancestries in Queenscliff are English at 30.0% of the population (substantially above the regional average of 19.0%), Australian at 18.6%, and Irish at 10.4%. There are also notable concentrations of other European ancestries compared to regional averages, with French ancestry representing 1.8% of Queenscliff (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.2% (vs 0.6%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Queenscliff's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Queenscliff is 36 years, which is close to the Greater Sydney average of 37 and slightly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Queenscliff has a high concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 (25.7%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (5.0%). The proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 8.2% to 10.1% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 6.7% to 5.0%. Projections indicate the age profile will change substantially by 2041, with the 75 to 84 bracket expected to grow by 59%, adding 84 residents to reach a total of 227. Older residents aged 65+ will account for 93% of the total population growth, highlighting local aging trends, while the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to decrease in size.