Berala

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

Berala's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 8,891 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 281 people, a rise of 3.3%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,610 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,864 as of June 2024 and the addition of 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,254 persons per square kilometer, placing Berala within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the national median for Berala, with an expected growth of 818 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers. This reflects an overall increase of approximately 8.9% over the 17-year period.

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 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with a further six approved in FY-26 so far. The average construction cost value of new properties is $319,000.

In terms of commercial development, $4.3 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When measured against Greater Sydney, Berala shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 66.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Compared nationally, Berala's development levels are lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Berala reflects a low density area, with around 276 people per approval. Looking ahead, Berala is expected to grow by 791 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Berala has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Aura by Crown Group, Berala Village Redevelopment, Berala TOD Precinct, and Lidcombe Town Centre Public Domain Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

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

Berala has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 7.2% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 1.0%.

As of that month, 4,272 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Berala was significantly lower at 47.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with manufacturing being particularly notable at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 7.7% of Berala's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force increased by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.1 percentage points in Berala. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.4%, and a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of 25-Nov showed employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Berala's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Berala SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,443 and an average income of $53,854 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average of $56,994 (median) and $80,856 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $47,795 (median) and $60,645 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes were at the 11th percentile ($597 weekly), while household income was at the 37th percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captured 32.1% of the community (2,854 individuals), similar to regional levels at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile.

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

In Berala, as per the latest Census, 60.6% of dwellings were houses while 39.3% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney's metropolitan area where 33.5% of dwellings were houses and 66.5% were 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 was $2,000, lower than Sydney's average of $2,167. Weekly rent median was $380 in Berala, compared to Sydney's $470. Nationally, Berala's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 and 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 comprise the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, 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 and above, 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, including 8.5% in primary education, 7.3% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

The analysis shows that there are currently 56 active public transport stops in Berala. These consist of a mix of train stations and bus stops. There are 20 different routes servicing these stops, together providing a total of 3,482 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 113 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 497 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 very low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. The rate of private health cover is approximately 47%, affecting around 4,178 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Berala, impacting 5.4% and 4.7% of residents respectively. About 80.1% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 83.5% across Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.6%, with around 1,390 people falling into this category, compared to 11.1% in Greater Sydney. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the overall 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 one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 62.2% of its residents born overseas and 77.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berala, making up 36.0% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented compared to the Greater Sydney average, comprising 13.3% of Berala's population.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese people make up 34.6% of Berala's population, which is higher than the regional average of 24.5%. The 'Other' category comprises 20.7%, lower than the regional average of 29.9%. English ancestry makes up 7.5%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Croatian at 2.8% (regional average is 0.7%), Korean at 2.9% (compared to 7.7%), and Lebanese at 4.0% (similar to the regional average of 4.1%).

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. 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 9.5%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present day, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 4.8%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Berala's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 24%, reaching 1,328 people from its current total of 1,073. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 51% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.