Willoughby East (NSW)

Detail

Based on research of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside newly confirmed locations verified by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Willoughby East has an estimated population of approximately 1,922 in May 2026. This represents a rise of 58 individuals (3.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,864 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident headcount of 1,871, estimated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP release (June 2025) and subsequent address validation. Such a population size corresponds to a density of 3,432 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the highest quartile of all Australian areas analyzed by Districts. The 3.1% post-Census population growth of the suburb of Willoughby East is within 2.8 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (5.9%), displaying healthy growth indicators. Population expansion in the area was driven majorly by arrivals from abroad, who made up approximately 94.0% of the overall population increases during recent times.

Detail

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of qualification, with tech workers particularly well represented. The community recorded an unemployment rate of 4.7% and a yearly estimated job growth of 0.7%, according to aggregated regional statistics from Districts. In March 2026, there were 895 employed locals, while the jobless rate stood 0.6% above the 4.1% rate of Greater Sydney, and the participation rate was slightly subdued at 65.1% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census responses indicated a significant 65.0% of the working population operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Detail

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayer incomes in the area rank in the highest percentile nationally, featuring a median of $73,120 and an average of $151,144. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $80,666 for the median and $166,742 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, placing between the 88th and 99th percentiles nationwide. The highest income bracket of $4000+ is the most common, accounting for 53.5% of residents (1,028 people), which differs from the broader region where of households earn in the - range. High-income earners are highly prevalent, with receiving over weekly, pointing to significant financial capacity. Residents retain of their income after meeting housing costs, showing strong financial capacity, and the area is placed in the th decile of the SEIFA index for relative advantage.

Detail

Residential buildings in the area consist of 95.6% standalone houses and 4.4% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% alternative dwellings across the Sydney metro area. Home ownership rates are high, with 44.0% of homes owned outright, while the remaining properties are either being purchased under a mortgage (43.5%) or occupied by tenants (12.5%). The typical monthly home loan payment is $4,219, which is much higher than the Sydney metro median of $2,427. The typical weekly rent is $873, compared to the metropolitan median of $470. On a national level, local monthly home loan payments are far higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the countrywide figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up the vast majority of households at 89.6%, consisting of couples with children at 57.8%, couples without children at 23.6%, and single-parent households at 7.5%. The remaining 10.4% consist of non-family living arrangements, with single-person households representing 9.4% and shared group households making up 1.0%. The typical household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney median of 2.7.

Detail

Educational qualification levels in the area are exceptionally high, with 52.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 32.2% across NSW. This high level of academic achievement positions the workforce well for knowledge-based occupations. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 13.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational training is held by 19.1% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 8.8%.

Detail

Public transport options in the area include 14 bus stops. These stops are serviced by 24 routes, which run a combined total of 1,015 passenger trips per week. Transport links are excellent, with the typical home located 153 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers travel out of the area for employment, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 82%, followed by walking at 6% and bus transit at 6%. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles, which is higher than the Sydney average. A high proportion of residents, 65.0%, worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Health profiles for the local population are excellent, with Districts identifying low mortality rates and minimal chronic illness across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, held by approximately 86% of the population (1,659 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Cultural diversity in the area is higher than in most local property markets, with 26.4% of residents born outside Australia and 18.3% using a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 55.0% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 1.7% of local residents compared to 0.8% across the broader Greater Sydney region.

Detail

The median age of residents is 42 years, which is higher than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national median of 38. The 5 to 14 age bracket is highly represented at 18.1% of the population, compared to a lower proportion of 25 to 34 year olds at 4.3%. This concentration of children aged 5 to 14 is higher than the national figure of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.6% to 15.5%. Over the same period, the 35 to 44 age bracket fell from 13.6% to 12.1%, and the 5 to 14 age group decreased from to . Demographic projections for point to significant changes, led by a increase in the to age group, which is expected to rise by people from to . In contrast, the number of children in the to and to age brackets is projected to decline.

Detail

Willoughby East currently has an estimated 98 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 54 children aged 0-2 and 35 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 83 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 223. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.