According to the 2016 census of Population, there were 3,161 residents in Brookvale. 53.7% of people were born in Australia. The most common countries of birth were England 5.5%, China 4.8% and New Zealand 3.5%. 65.0% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Mandarin 4.1% and Italian 3.4%.

Brookvale has two schools – Brookvale Public School and St Augustines college. Brookvale also has a TAFE NSW college located on Old Pittwatter Road.

Westfield Warringah Mall (previously known as Warringah Mall) is a large indoor/outdoor shopping centre in the southern part of the suburb.Brookvale has a fast-growing business community, and is a major industrial area.

Brookvale Oval is the home ground of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles National Rudby team. Manly Leagues Club is located nearby.