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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Queenscliff (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 3,606. This reflects an increase of 199 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,407. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,586 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,195 persons per square kilometer, placing Queenscliff (NSW) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA3 area at 3.2% and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Queenscliff (NSW).

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Queenscliff (NSW), with a projected increase of 33 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Queenscliff, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Queenscliff has seen approximately 9 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 49 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. However, this ratio has increased to 25.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Queenscliff's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,054,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $15.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Queenscliff maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, this activity is lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market and potential development constraints. New building activity comprises 67% detached dwellings and 33% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options across various price brackets.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (17% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 1024 people per dwelling approval, Queenscliff reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Queenscliff will gain 42 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and providing good conditions for buyers while potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Queenscliff 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 identified six projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Freshwater Beach Masterplan, The Alba project, Warringah Recreation Centre Upgrade, and Harbord Hotel Planning Proposal for a 37-room hotel wing.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Queenscliff ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Queenscliff has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,415 residents are employed at a rate 0.9% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 75.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries include professional & technical (at 1.8 times the regional average), health care & social assistance (10.8%), and finance & insurance. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicating local employment opportunities exist alongside external ones.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, with employment down 1.7%, leading to a 0.9% unemployment rate rise. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Queenscliff's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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. Queenscliff's median income among taxpayers was $84,242, with an average of $150,676. This places it in the top percentile nationally. Greater Sydney's median was $60,817 and average was $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $91,706 and average $164,026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Queenscliff rank between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationally. The suburb has a high proportion of individuals earning over $4,000 per week, with 34.4% (1,240 individuals) falling into this category. This contrasts with surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band is predominant at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income in Queenscliff, but strong earnings result in disposable income ranking at the 95th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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

Queenscliff's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 17.0% houses and 83.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 57.6% houses and 42.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenscliff was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented dwellings at 46.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent in Queenscliff was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $592. Nationally, Queenscliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.3% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 36.0% couples without children, and 6.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households comprising 8.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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

Queenscliff's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 56.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%.

Vocational pathways make up 23.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 12.3%. A substantial portion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 22.1% engaged in this activity. This includes 6.0% in tertiary education, 5.3% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Queenscliff's public transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,155 weekly passenger trips. The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically located 85 meters from their nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 450 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 105 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Queenscliff shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. The private health cover rate is notably high at approximately 86% (3,107 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 71.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in Queenscliff, affecting 6.7 and 4.9% of residents respectively. A total of 79.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.7%. The area has 12.4% (447 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Queenscliff are strong and largely align with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local areas. 16.1% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 39.3% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 38.6%.

Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.0%), Australian (18.6%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, French (1.8% vs regional 1.1%), Spanish (1.2% vs 0.6%), and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.7%) were also overrepresented.

Queenscliff's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Queenscliff's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Queenscliff has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 8.2% to 9.8%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 6.7% to 5.0%. Demographic projections suggest that Queenscliff's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 58%, adding 87 residents and reaching a total of 239. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 91% of population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging population. Conversely, the 45-54 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.