Coogee (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic statistics for the surrounding territory, along with recently confirmed addresses by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Coogee (NSW) has an estimated resident count of approximately 15,236 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 602 people (4.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the recorded population stood at 14,634 residents. This variation is derived from the resident population of 15,213, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 93 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the local density ratio is 7,935 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the highest 10% of all national territories evaluated by Districts, highlighting local land as an extremely prized resource. The primary driver of local population growth has been overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 68.0% of the overall population gains during the most recent periods.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with a particularly strong concentration in the technology sector, an unemployment rate of only 2.0%, and an annual job growth rate estimated at 1.8% according to Districts aggregations of regional data. In March 2026, there were 11,047 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.1% lower than the Greater Sydney rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is exceptionally high at 84.0% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census responses indicated that a substantial 59.2% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though this figure must be viewed in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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The suburb of Coogee shows a median taxpayer income of $76,278 and an average of $126,838 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is exceptionally high 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 $84,150 (median) and $139,928 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Coogee, between the 96th and 98th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 34.8% of locals (5,302 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from patterns across the region where - dominates with . Economic strength emerges through of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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According to the most recent Census, the residential composition of Coogee consisted of 10.6% standalone houses and 89.4% alternative dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing formats, compared to the metropolitan Sydney distribution of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwelling structures. At the same time, the home ownership rate in Coogee was below the metropolitan Sydney average, standing at 23.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (20.9%) or tenants renting their homes (55.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $3,226, significantly higher than the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $650 compared to the metropolitan benchmark of $470. On a national level, mortgage payments in Coogee exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much higher than the countrywide figure of $375.

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Families represent the majority of local households at 59.2%, which is composed of couples with children at 21.3%, couples without children at 30.0%, and single-parent households at 6.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 40.8% of households, with single-person households representing 28.5% and group households making up 12.3% of the total. The area has a median household size of 2.2 people, which is smaller than the average of 2.7 residents per household across Greater Sydney.

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Educational attainment in Coogee is significantly higher than broader geographical benchmarks, with 59.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to national and state rates of 30.4% and 32.2% respectively. This notable educational lead positions the community well to benefit from knowledge-intensive economic opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. Vocational qualifications are held by 21.8% of those aged 15 and over, which includes 10.1% with advanced diplomas and 11.7% holding certificates.

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Analysis of the local public transport network shows 44 active passenger stops operating within Coogee, which are serviced by a combination of bus routes. These stops accommodate 32 distinct routes, which together deliver 8,751 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 120 meters from their nearest public transit stop. As a primary residential suburb, a majority of working residents travel out of the area for employment, with cars remaining the main transport method at 64%, followed by buses at 14% and walking at 11%. Car ownership averages 0.8 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 59.2%, worked from home according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect the pandemic conditions of that period.

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Health analysis indicates excellent outcomes throughout Coogee, with Districts identifying a very low occurrence of chronic conditions and mortality rates across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is remarkably widespread, with approximately 77% of the total population (representing 11,707 individuals) having cover. This is higher than the Greater Sydney rate of 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

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The local population displays greater cultural diversity than most other housing markets, with 16.9% of residents using a non-English language at home and 40.9% born in another country. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.0% of the population. The most prominent religious divergence is in Judaism, which accounts for 2.6% of residents in Coogee, compared to a rate of 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age in Coogee is 35 years, making it slightly younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25 to 34 age cohort is highly represented at 28.4% of the population compared to Greater Sydney, while children aged 5 to 14 represent a lower share at 7.0%. The concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 is also far higher than the national rate of 14.6%. Since 2021, the cohort aged 15 to 24 grew from 8.5% to 10.1% of the population, while the group aged 45 to 54 declined from 12.0% to 10.6% and the 5 to age group fell from to . Population projections for show significant demographic changes for Coogee, with the to age bracket projected to grow by people () from to . Furthermore, the combined age groups of and over will account for of the total growth, reflecting an aging population trend, while the to and to age brackets are expected to shrink in size.

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Coogee currently has an estimated 853 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 521 children aged 0-2 and 347 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 767 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,005. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.