Vaucluse

Vaucluse is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Vaucluse as of May 2026 is approximately 9,422. This figure represents a decrease of 88 people from the 2021 Census count of 9,510, reflecting a change inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 9,395 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,029 persons per square kilometer, positioning Vaucluse in the upper quartile relative to other national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth in the suburb, contributing approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where ABS data is unavailable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate that Vaucluse is expected to experience population growth just below the median of national statistical areas by 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is anticipated to gain an additional 669 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.8% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Vaucluse is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Vaucluse has seen approximately 22 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 114 homes were approved, with another 13 granted in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $1,966,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, Vaucluse recorded $114.0 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Sydney, Vaucluse has 18.0% less new development per person and ranks at the 17th percentile nationally for buyer options, suggesting limited choices while demand for established properties strengthens. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New developments consist of 22.0% detached houses and 78.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Vaucluse has around 944 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area.

Population forecasts estimate Vaucluse will gain 642 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Vaucluse has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include Kincoppal-Rose Bay School Campus Masterplan, Parsley Bay Pump Station, Rose Bay Place Plan Implementation, and Tivoli Ave, Rose Bay. The following list details those most 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Vaucluse ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Vaucluse has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of December 2025, there are 5,043 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is lower than average at 65.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 57.4% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.6 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance sectors. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 1.7% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 5.3%.

The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25 (AreaSearch analysis), employment increased by 2.6%, labour force by 2.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.9%. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts (Jobs and Skills Australia) project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Vaucluse's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The median taxpayer income in Vaucluse is $77,759, with an average of $208,797, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This places it among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $85,784 (median) and $230,345 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Vaucluse rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 99th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 45.1% of locals (4,249 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (56.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, with residents ranking within the 98th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Vaucluse features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Vaucluse's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.9% houses and 51.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Vaucluse stood at 41.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 25.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,200, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Vaucluse was recorded at $700, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Vaucluse's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially exceeded the national figure of $375.

Vaucluse has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 75.1% of all households, including 41.4% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, aligning with Greater Sydney's average.

Vaucluse demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Vaucluse has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 55.1% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the Australian average of 30.4% and the New South Wales (NSW) average of 32.2%, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification in Vaucluse, held by 37.6% of residents aged 15 and above, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational pathways account for 17.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas held by 10.0% and certificates by 7.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in Vaucluse, with 33.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% enrolled in secondary education, 10.6% in primary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Vaucluse has 98 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by 32 different bus routes, collectively facilitating 4,227 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Vaucluse's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 83%, followed by bus at 5% and walking at 4%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 57.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 603 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Vaucluse's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment shows Vaucluse has excellent health outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 109% of the total population (10,261 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.5% and 4.8% of residents respectively. 77.9% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Vaucluse has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.3% (2,006 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Vaucluse 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

Vaucluse had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 20.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Vaucluse, comprising 41.3% of its population. However, Judaism was significantly overrepresented, making up 25.8%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (20.4%), Australian (16.8%), and Other (16.0%). Notably, South Australian ancestry was overrepresented at 4.7% in Vaucluse, compared to 0.5% regionally, as was Polish ancestry at 2.3% (vs 0.6%) and Russian ancestry at 2.0% (vs 0.4%).

Vaucluse hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Vaucluse is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 8.0%, while those aged 25-34 are relatively smaller at 8.7% compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.7% to 15.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.0% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 14.4% to 12.9%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 16.2% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Vaucluse's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 319 people (an increase of 89%), from 358 to 678. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.