Berala
Statistical Area - sa2

Berala 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, Berala's population is around 8,888 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 278 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,610 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,864 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,252 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 80.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 818 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in an increase of 8.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Berala, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Berala has recorded approximately 26 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 131 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, and three so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $475,000, consistent with regional patterns.

Additionally, there have been $4.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Berala has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Berala's development activity is also below average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Berala shows 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This preference for detached housing exceeds current Census patterns (61.0%), suggesting robust demand for family homes. The location has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Berala will gain 794 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Lidcombe Public Domain Plan, Kerrs Road Upgrade, Lidcombe Infrastructure Upgrade, and Regents Park Affordable Rental Housing. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment drivers in Berala are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Berala has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation and an unemployment rate of 7.0% as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%.

There are 4,304 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.8% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 47.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among Berala residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 7.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Berala's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Berala's median taxpayer income was $42,443 and average income was $53,854 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average of $56,994 median and $80,856 average for Greater Sydney. As of March 2025, estimates suggest Berala's median income would be approximately $46,942 and average income $59,563, based on a 10.6% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 11th percentile ($597 weekly), while household incomes were at the 38th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 32.1% of Berala's community (2,853 individuals), consistent with regional trends showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile.

Berala displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Berala, as per the latest Census evaluation, 60.6% of dwellings were houses while 39.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas where 33.5% of dwellings are houses and 66.5% are other types. Home ownership in Berala stood at 33.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.6% and rented ones at 41.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Berala was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Berala's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Berala features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.5% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up 25.5%, comprising 19.4% lone person households and 6.1% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Educational outcomes in Berala fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 27.6%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 39.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational pathways account for 23.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 13.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.3% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education. Berala Public School serves the local area, enrolling 697 students as of a recent date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.8, below the regional average of 10.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 56 active transport stops operating in Berala. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 20 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 3,482 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 113 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 497 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

Berala's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Berala shows excellent health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, impacting around 4,177 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Berala, affecting 5.4% and 4.7% of residents respectively. Notably, 80.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 83.5%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.6%, or around 1,390 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Berala align closely with the general population's health profile.

Berala is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Berala has a population where 62.2% were born overseas, with 77.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 36.0%. Buddhism is more prevalent in Berala at 13.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 7.5%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are Chinese (34.6%), Other (20.7%), and English (7.5%). Notably, Croatian (2.8%) and Korean (2.9%) groups are overrepresented in Berala compared to regional averages, while Vietnamese representation is slightly higher at 5.0%.

Berala's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Berala's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 18.5% of Berala's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort makes up only 9.5%. Between 2021 and now, the 75-84 age group has risen from 4.0% to 4.8%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Berala's age structure. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 1,328 people from the current 1,072. The population aged 65 and above is projected to account for 51% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to decline in population size.