Lane Cove West (NSW)

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Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address entries validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Lane Cove West has an estimated population of 3,547 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 401 people (12.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,146 people. The figure is derived from the resident population of 3,547 calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release combined with subsequent address updates. The resulting density stands at 2,098 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio among national locations analyzed by Districts. The 12.7% rate of expansion since the 2021 census outpaced both the broader SA4 region (5.9%) and the state, making the suburb a regional growth leader. This population gain was mostly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 67.0% of the total increase during recent times.

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The local labor force is highly educated, featuring a strong concentration of workers in the technology sector, a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.1% over the past year according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,021, while the jobless rate was 0.6% lower than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%. Workforce participation is solid, standing at 72.6% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a high 62.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

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According to Districts' compilation of postcode-level ATO records for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the area had a median income of $73,049 and an average income of $120,409. These figures are exceptionally high by national standards and compare to averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) across Greater Sydney. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $80,588 for the median and $132,835 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked between the 94th and 96th percentiles across the country. Looking at the income brackets, the largest group comprises 38.2% of residents (1,354 people) who earn $4000+, differing from the wider region where the - bracket is the most common at . Local purchasing power is supported by the of households earning weekly incomes above . Although high housing costs consume of income, strong earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

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The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 54.5% freestanding homes and 45.5% other housing types, including townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other housing types across the Sydney metropolitan area. Home ownership rates tracked slightly behind the Sydney metro average at 26.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 29.3% and rental properties making up 44.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment stood at $3,769, well above the Sydney metro average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was $570, compared to $470 for the wider metro area. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are also considerably above the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 75.9%, consisting of couples with children at 41.5%, couples without children at 25.2%, and single-parent households at 7.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.1%, which is primarily composed of lone-person households at 21.9% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is identical to the Greater Sydney average.

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The level of education in the area is substantially higher than broader indicators, with 55.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% across NSW. This educational profile positions the workforce well for knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 35.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational training accounts for 20.8% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificate credentials (10.4%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 24 active transit stops within the area, consisting of various bus options. These stops accommodate 26 different routes, delivering a total of 2,013 passenger trips each week. Transit access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 157 meters from their nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 80% and buses accounting for 9%. Car ownership averages 1.1 vehicles per household. Additionally, a high proportion of residents, 62.0%, worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era workplace restrictions.

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Health indicators show excellent results in the area, with Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses showing very low rates of common health issues across all demographics. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 74% of the population (2,636 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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The area shows high cultural diversity, with 30.1% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 40.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 50.4% of the local population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.8% of the local population, matching the 0.8% average across Greater Sydney.

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The local median age is 37, matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 and sitting close to the national figure of 38. The 35 - 44 age bracket is highly represented at 18.0% of the population relative to Greater Sydney, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 12.6%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.3% to 13.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 4.1% to 5.3%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.4% to 13.4%. Demographic forecasts for 2041 project notable changes in the age profile, led by a expansion in the to age group, which is expected to rise from to people. Conversely, the to and to age brackets are projected to shrink.

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Lane Cove West currently has an estimated 205 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 122 children aged 0-2 and 81 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 173 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 344. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.0 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.