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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Berala's population is around 8910 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 300 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8610 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8895 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4263 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 83.6% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 703 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.7% in total over the 16 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 recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved in FY26 so far. The population has been declining recently, suggesting new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $319,000. This financial year, there have been $4.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Berala records significantly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Berala's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (61.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Berala is expected to grow by 688 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 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones 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 a well-educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%.

There were 4,305 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 2.8% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 60.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, a high 31.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Berala showed particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Professional & technical employed just 7.7% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1% and labour force increased by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This compared to Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Berala. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggested that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Berala's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

The Berala SA2's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Berala is $46,338 and the average income stands at $56,340. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Berala would be approximately $51,120 (median) and $62,154 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows individual incomes in Berala lag at the 11th percentile ($597 weekly), while household income performs better at the 37th percentile. Distribution data indicates that the largest segment comprises 32.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,860 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Berala, 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

The dwelling structure in Berala, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berala was at 33.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.6%) or rented (41.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Berala was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Berala was recorded at $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Berala's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 account for 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, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7 people.

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.

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

Public transport analysis shows 55 active stops operating in Berala. These include both train and bus services. There are 18 routes serving these stops, providing a total of 4,103 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 115 meters. Most commuters travel outward from this residential area. Car use dominates at 73%, with 19% using trains.

On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 31.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 586 trips per day, equating to approximately 74 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

AreaSearch's assessment of Berala's health outcomes shows very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The most prevalent conditions are diabetes at 5.4% and arthritis at 4.7%. Overall, 80.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments.

This compares to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Private health cover is held by approximately 48% of Berala's population (~4,232 people), lower than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,428 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Berala are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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, comprising 13.3%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Berala are Chinese (34.6%), Other (20.7%), and English (7.5%). Notably, Chinese ancestry is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%, while English ancestry is lower than the regional average of 19.0%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Croatian (2.8% vs regional 0.7%), Korean (2.9% vs regional 1.1%), and Lebanese (4.0% vs regional 2.6%) ethnic groups.

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 19.4% of Berala's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age group comprises 8.9%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 18.1% to 19.4%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 8.9%, and the 45-54 group has fallen from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Berala's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 21% (223 people), reaching 1,277 from 1,053. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 52% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.