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 November 2025, the estimated population for the South Coogee statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,750. This reflects an increase of 139 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,611. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and two additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,088 persons per square kilometer, placing South Coogee (SA2) within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in June 2024, South Coogee demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.0% 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 the 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the South Coogee (SA2) population is expected to increase by 523 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.1% in total over the 17-year period.

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

South Coogee recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 30, 2021. This totals an estimated 64 homes. As of June 29, 2021, six approvals have been recorded in the current financial year ending June 30, 2022 (FY-26).

The population has declined over recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating 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 with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Sydney, South Coogee records 16.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally when assessed areas, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. This activity is also under the national average, implying the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 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 show the area adding 523 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Woomera Reserve Upgrade - Little Bay, Sydney (scheduled for completion in 2023), and Google Pacific Connect - Tabua and Honomoana Cable Landing Infrastructure, set for completion in late 2021. Additionally, the Sydney Metro Eastern Suburbs Extension is underway with an expected finish in 2024, while the South Coogee to Lurline Bay Coastal Walk Connection is planned for completion by mid-2022.

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

South Coogee has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 11.9% as of an unspecified date.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.8%. As of September 2025, 2660 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 7.7%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in South Coogee was 55.7%, below Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Manufacturing, however, has limited presence at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8%, labour force increased by 2.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, but unemployment rose slightly by 0.2%. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Coogee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 exceptionally high nationally compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,030. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Coogee would be approximately $84,888 (median) and $142,241 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in South Coogee cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprises 32.8% earning over $4,000 weekly, with 1,885 residents falling into this category. This differs from the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 30.9%. Income distribution in South Coogee shows polarization, with 31.9% in lower brackets and 41.0% in higher brackets. High 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

The dwelling structure in South Coogee, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 26.9% houses and 73.1% 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, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,033. Weekly rent in South Coogee was recorded at $207, lower than the national figure of $375. Nationally, South Coogee's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 make up the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.4.

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 high, with 44.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. The area has a significant proportion of residents with bachelor degrees (28.7%), postgraduate qualifications (13.3%), and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5%, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (13.0%). Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.3%), secondary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (7.1%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 27 operational public transport stops in South Coogee. These are bus stops served by 21 different routes, facilitating a total of 3,308 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 125 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 472 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 superior health outcomes across both young and elderly age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 78% of its total population of 4,504 have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.1%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in South Coogee, affecting 7.6% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 76.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.3%, or 1,052 people, than Greater Sydney's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in South Coogee are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas. 24.1% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 34.5% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in South Coogee, with 55.3% of people identifying as such.

However, Judaism stood out with 6.8%, compared to the regional average of 4.4%. For ancestry, the top groups were English (21.3%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (12.4%). Notably, Russian (2.0%) was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's 1.1%, French at 1.7% versus regional 1.5%, and South African at 1.5% against the regional 0.9%.

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 12.8% of the population in South Coogee, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 age group makes up 11.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.6%, and the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 15.5% to 14.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in South Coogee, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 55% (444 people), reaching 1,255 from 810. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.