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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of South Coogee as of May 2026 is around 5,743. This reflects an increase of 132 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,611 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,741 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,082 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 453 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.8% in total over the 16 years.

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 of ABS building approval numbers shows South Coogee recorded around 12 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years to June 2021, totalling an estimated 64 homes. As of June 2022 in FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently but 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. Compared to Greater Sydney, South Coogee records 15.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally, suggesting constrained buyer choice favouring existing homes. This activity is below the national average, implying an established area with potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% medium to high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. South Coogee has around 459 people per approval, indicating a mature market.

Future projections estimate South Coogee adding 451 residents by 2041. Construction maintains a reasonable pace but increasing population may lead to growing competition among buyers.

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 in Little Bay, Sydney (scheduled for completion on 15th December 2023) and Sydney Metro Eastern Suburbs Extension (expected to commence operations in May 2024). Additionally, Google's Pacific Connect cable landing infrastructure at Tabua and Honomoana is set for completion by the end of 2024. The South Coogee to Lurline Bay Coastal Walk Connection project began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed by June 2023.

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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 11.6% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over that year was estimated at 4.6%.

As of December 2025, 2,682 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 7.4%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in South Coogee was lower at 63.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A significant proportion, 54.8%, of residents worked from home as per Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training sectors.

The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Manufacturing's presence is limited at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.7%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6%, labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a reduction in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% while unemployment rose marginally. 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, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Coogee's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, South Coogee had a median income among taxpayers of $77,979 and an average income of $130,664. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to the Greater Sydney levels of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Coogee would be approximately $86,026 (median) and $144,149 (average) as of March 2026. The Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South Coogee cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $4000+ weekly (1,883 residents), which differs from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. The income distribution demonstrates clear polarization with 31.9% in lower brackets (<$800/week) and 41.0% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). 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

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). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Coogee was 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 $2,427. Median weekly rent in South Coogee was $207, lower than Sydney metro's figure of $470. Nationally, South Coogee's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $4,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $207 versus the national figure of $375.

South Coogee features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-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 comprise the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than Greater Sydney's 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 averages. Among residents aged 15+, 44.9% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.3%) and graduate diplomas (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% 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

South Coogee has 27 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,308 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living within 125 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from South Coogee. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 83% of residents, while bus usage stands at 9%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 54.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 472 trips are made daily, 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 exhibits superior health outcomes as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups show low incidence of common health issues. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (4,499 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 7.6% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.9%, while 71.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Under-65 residents show better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,079 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 24.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in South Coogee, comprising 55.3% of people. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 6.8% of the population compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (21.3%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (12.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Russian is overrepresented at 2.0% (vs regional 0.4%), French at 1.7% (vs 0.5%), and South Australian at 1.5% (vs 0.5%).

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 13.5% of the population, compared to a lower prevalence of the 35-44 cohort at 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.5% to 12.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.9% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 13.4%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 12.5% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in South Coogee, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 58% (447 people), reaching 1,217 from 769. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.