Saratoga

An assessment of population growth drivers in Saratoga reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Saratoga's population is estimated at around 4,096, reflecting an increase of 114 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas was used by AreaSearch to validate this figure. This growth represents a 2.9% increase from the previous census population of 3,982. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,094 residents following their examination of the latest ABS data release in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,728 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Saratoga's growth rate of 2.9% since the 2021 census surpasses that of the SA3 area at 2.3%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb. AreaSearch's projections for Saratoga are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2-level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to Saratoga for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Saratoga is expected to grow by approximately 242 persons, reflecting a total increase of 5.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Saratoga had approximately 9 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 46 homes. As of FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 was 0.8, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $525,000.

This financial year has seen $281,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Saratoga records about 60% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This reflects the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. All new construction has been detached houses, maintaining Saratoga's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 541 people per approval, Saratoga indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Saratoga is expected to grow by 225 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Saratoga has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

No infrastructure changes are expected in the area at this time. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will impact the region. Key initiatives previously considered include Blackwall Road Intersection Upgrades, Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, Northside Private Hospital, and Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades.

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The exceptional employment performance in Saratoga places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Saratoga has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 0.5% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year.

As of that date, 2,303 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stood at 63.6%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction employment is specialized in Saratoga with a share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.6%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force grew by 3.0%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Job 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 Saratoga's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Saratoga was $54,411 and average income was $80,518. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Saratoga would be approximately $61,272 and average income would be around $90,671 by that date. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Saratoga are at the 63rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.0% of individuals in Saratoga earn between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 66th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Saratoga's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metro had 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Saratoga stood at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.2% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Sydney metro's $2,150. Median weekly rent in Saratoga was $485, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Saratoga's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Saratoga features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.1% of all households, including 36.1% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Saratoga performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (30.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.8%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (4.4%).

Brisbania Public School in Saratoga serves the area, with an enrollment of 370 students as of a specific date. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1019, indicating balanced educational opportunities typical of Australian schools. School places per 100 residents are 9.0, below the regional average of 15.9, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Saratoga shows that there are currently 28 active transport stops in operation. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. The routes servicing these stops total 18, with a combined weekly passenger trip count of 448.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with an average proximity of 149 meters to the nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages at 64 trips per day, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Saratoga'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

Saratoga residents show favourable health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 59% (2,405 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 54.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are most prevalent, affecting 8.6% and 8.0% respectively. About 67.2% report being free of medical ailments, compared to 64.8% in Greater Sydney. The area has 22.9% (937 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Saratoga is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Saratoga, as per the census data from June 2016, had a population with 84.9% born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.5%, compared to 53.4% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.0% of Saratoga's population, higher than the regional average of 0.7%. Russians and French also had similar representation to the region at 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively.

Saratoga hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Saratoga is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 12.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.5% to 8.2%, whereas the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 13.5% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Saratoga's age structure. The number of individuals aged 75 to 84 is projected to increase by 134 people (40%), rising from 335 to 470. Notably, the combined population of all age groups above 65 years will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting Saratoga's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 are expected to decline.