South Coogee

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

As of Feb 2026, AreaSearch estimates South Coogee's population at around 5,750, reflecting a 139 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.5% rise from the previous population figure of 5,611 people. AreaSearch arrived at this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validating two new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density ratio is 5,088 persons per square kilometer, placing South Coogee in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, South Coogee has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, South Coogee is expected to increase by 524 persons, reflecting an overall 9.1% rise over the 17-year period, which is just below the national median statistical area population growth rate.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows South Coogee recorded around 12 residential property approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 64 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 6 approvals have been granted. The population has declined recently but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,095,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Sydney, South Coogee records 16.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally, suggesting constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. New building activity comprises 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. South Coogee indicates a mature market with around 459 people per approval. Future projections estimate South Coogee will add 524 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely influencing the area: Woomera Reserve Upgrade - Little Bay, Sydney Metro Eastern Suburbs Extension, Google Pacific Connect - Tabua and Honomoana Cable Landing Infrastructure, South Coogee to Lurline Bay Coastal Walk Connection.

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.

Employment drivers in South Coogee are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

South Coogee has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 11.6%, with estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 2,682 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate at 7.4% exceeds Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is lower at 64.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A high proportion of residents work from home (54.8%), potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing's presence is limited at 2.7%, compared to 5.7% regionally. Employment opportunities appear limited locally due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and unemployment rise marginally during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within South Coogee. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Coogee's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, South Coogee had a median taxpayer income of $77,979 and an average income of $130,664. These figures are significantly higher than the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $84,888, with average income projected at $142,241. In South Coogee, incomes cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally according to Census 2021 data. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 32.8% of residents earning over $4,000 weekly. This differs from broader area trends where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 are most common at 30.9%. Income distribution in South Coogee is polarized, with 31.9% in lower brackets (<$800/week) and 41.0% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). Housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

South Coogee's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Coogee stood at 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.0% and rented ones at 48.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,000, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in South Coogee was $207, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, South Coogee's mortgage repayments were higher at $4,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $207 compared to the national figure of $375.

South Coogee features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.3% of all households, including 35.3% couples with children, 17.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

South Coogee shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

South Coogee's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 44.9% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 13.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Coogee has 27 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 21 different routes, offering a total of 3,308 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living within 125 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 83%, while bus use stands at 9%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 54.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 472 trips per day, equating to around 122 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in South Coogee is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

South Coogee shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (4,504 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.6% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. South Coogee has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,075 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

South Coogee was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Coogee, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 24.1%, with residents speaking languages other than English at home. Overseas-born population stood at 34.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 55.3%.

Judaism was notably higher than Sydney's average, at 6.8% compared to 0.8%. Top ancestry groups were English (21.3%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (12.4%). Russian, French, and South Australian ethnicities were overrepresented in South Coogee compared to regional averages.

South Coogee's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in South Coogee is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 13.2% of the population in South Coogee, compared to Greater Sydney. The 35-44 age cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.9% to 14.0%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 9.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 13.8%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for South Coogee in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 58% (an increase of 461 people), reaching a total of 1,255 from its current figure of 793. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.