Saratoga

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Saratoga's estimated population is around 4,096. This reflects an increase of 114 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,982. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,728 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Saratoga's growth rate of 2.9% since the census positions it closely to the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with Saratoga expected to grow by 243 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.5% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Saratoga has seen around 10 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 50 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period is 0.8.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these dwellings is $525,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $281,000 have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparatively, Saratoga shows approximately 66% of the construction activity per person relative to Greater Sydney.

Nationally, it places among the 26th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New construction in Saratoga has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The population density is around 625 people per approval, further indicating a mature, established area. Looking ahead, Saratoga is expected to grow by 226 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Blackwall Road Interchange Enhancements, Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, Northside Private Hospital, Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Saratoga has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 0.5% as of September 2025.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,342 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Saratoga is 63.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 6.6% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, while labour force increased by 3.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, with a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Saratoga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Saratoga suburb is $54,411 and average income stands at $80,518. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $59,232 (median) and $87,652 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Saratoga are around the 63rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with metropolitan region's 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

In Saratoga, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Saratoga was higher than that of the Sydney metro area at 39.0%. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 45.2%, with rented dwellings making up 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Saratoga was $2,167, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,150. The median weekly rent figure in Saratoga was recorded at $485, higher than the Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Saratoga's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 78.1 percent of all households, including 36.1 percent couples with children, 30.6 percent couples without children, and 10.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9 percent, with lone person households at 20.2 percent and group households comprising 1.6 percent of the total. 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (30.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 34 active transport stops operating within Saratoga. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. They are serviced by 18 individual routes, providing a total of 602 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 86 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 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's health data shows favourable results with low prevalence rates for common conditions across all age groups. Approximately 59% of Saratoga residents have private health cover, compared to 55.3% in Greater Sydney.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.6% and 8.0% respectively. Around 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 64.8% across Greater Sydney. Saratoga has a lower proportion of seniors at 22.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Saratoga are notably strong and outperform those of the general population.

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

Saratoga's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.9% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Saratoga, comprising 54.5% of people, 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 were overrepresented at 1.0%, Russians were equally represented at 0.4%, and French were slightly overrepresented at 0.6%.

Saratoga hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Saratoga is 43 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up a prominent 12.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years are comparatively smaller at 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.5% to 8.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Saratoga's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase solidly by 134 people (40%) from 335 to 470. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.