Annandale (NSW)

Annandale is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Annandale's population is around 9,951 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 487 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,464 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,933 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,678 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Annandale's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 74.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 145 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 223 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Annandale is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Annandale has seen around 20 new homes approved annually, with 100 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $279,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $1.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Annandale shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 6th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. At around 3290 people per approval, Annandale is a mature, established area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Annandale should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Annandale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Joinery Annandale, West End Residences, OTTO Annandale Student Accommodation (45-57 Parramatta Road), and the Annandale Mixed Use Build-to-Rent Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Annandale shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Annandale features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. As of December 2025, 6,302 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 63.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Annandale's workforce compared to 8.6% in Greater Sydney. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.8% while employment declined by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Annandale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Annandale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Annandale SA2 is among the top percentile nationally, with the median assessed at $80,570 while the average income stands at $120,557. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $87,709 (median) and $131,238 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Annandale, between the 93rd and 97th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $4000+ earnings band captures 35.0% of the community (3,482 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. A significant 46.5% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 91st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Annandale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Annandale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 22.8% houses and 77.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Annandale was slightly lagging that of Sydney metro, at 26.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (42.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,467, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $570, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Annandale's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Annandale features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.6% of all households, comprising 28.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 5.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Annandale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Annandale significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 60.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 37.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 19.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (9.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in tertiary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 39 active transport stops operating within Annandale, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 7,609 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 61%, with 12% walking and 11% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 63.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,087 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 195 weekly trips per individual stop.

Annandale's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Annandale residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (7,791 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.3% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 72.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,451 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Annandale was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Annandale is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 14.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. The main religion in Annandale is Christianity, which makes up 36.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Annandale are English, comprising 24.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 21.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Annandale (vs 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Lebanese at 1.0% (vs 2.6%).

Annandale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Annandale is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Annandale has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (14.6%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.6% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 16.6% to 15.7%. By 2041, Annandale is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 39% (188 people), reaching 672 from 483. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 71% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts.