Collaroy Plateau (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Collaroy Plateau's population is estimated at around 4,791 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 14 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,805 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,791, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,927 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Collaroy Plateau boasts a highly educated labor pool where professional services hold a prominent position, an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the previous year according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,767 residents are employed while the unemployment rate sits at 0.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard with 74.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%. Based on Census responses, a high 44.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Based on Districts aggregation of ATO postcode statistics from the fiscal year 2023 release, taxpayers in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau recorded a median income of $62,416 and an average income of $102,183. These figures place the area in the highest national brackets, compared to median and average outcomes of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since fiscal year 2023, updated projections estimate these levels at approximately $68,857 for the median and $112,728 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes are positioned high nationally, falling between the 84th and 98th percentiles. Looking at specific income brackets, the largest cohort consists of 39.5% of households earning $4000+ per week (representing residents), which contrasts with the broader region where the - range is the most common at . Affluence is prominent in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau, with of households earning above weekly, which underpins demand for high-end retail and services. Housing costs absorb of income, and strong earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable funds, with the SEIFA index ranking the area in the th decile.

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Residential architecture in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau, according to the most recent Census, was made up of 94.2% standalone houses and 5.8% other housing types like townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across the Sydney metropolitan area. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau were considerably higher than the Sydney metro average, standing at 38.6%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (49.0%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $3,467 was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was registered at $800, compared to the metropolitan average of $470. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are substantially higher than the national median of $375.

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Families represent the vast majority of households at 87.3%, consisting of couples with children at 55.8%, couples without children at 21.5%, and single parent families at 9.2%. Non-family households account for the remaining 12.7% of the total, with single person households representing 11.6% and shared group households making up 1.5%. The median household size stands at 3.2 occupants, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau is lower than regional averages, with 32.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 41.5% in the broader SA4 region. This indicates opportunities for further educational advancement and professional development. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Technical and vocational qualifications are well represented, with 34.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding certificates or diplomas, including advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificate-level qualifications at 21.1%.

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Analysis of public transit options indicates there are 40 active bus stops located within the suburb of Collaroy Plateau. These stops are connected to 18 separate bus routes, which together provide 1,502 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 147 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential character of the neighborhood, the majority of working residents travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 89% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.9 cars, which is higher than the regional average. A significant 44.6% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Health indicators show excellent trends in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau, based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, showing low rates of common illnesses across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 67% of the population (3,219 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Collaroy Plateau shows high levels of cultural diversity, with 11.9% of residents using a language other than English at home and 23.4% of the population born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 57.9% of residents, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The suburb of Collaroy Plateau has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. The local population features a high proportion of people in the 45 - 54 age bracket at 15.5%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is relatively small at 8.2%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.0% to 16.3% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 4.3% to 5.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 fell from 17.1% to 15.5%, and the to age range declined from to . Projections suggest that the age structure in the suburb of Collaroy Plateau will change by with the to cohort expected to increase by individuals (), growing from to . Growth in the and over cohorts will account for all net population growth in the area, highlighting an aging local population, while the to and to age cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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Collaroy Plateau currently has an estimated 273 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 146 children aged 0-2 and 96 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 21% by 2041 (to approximately 216 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 419. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.