Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila's population is around 14,523 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 323 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,200 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,223 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,159 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.4% 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, an above-median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,778 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila has averaged around 46 new dwelling approvals each year, with 232 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 18 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $284,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $2.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila shows approximately half the construction activity per person while it places among the 51st percentile of areas assessed nationally. This level is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 88.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 326 people per approval, Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila reflects a low density area.

Future projections show Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila adding 1,478 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile 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 Berkeley Square (Berkeley Shopping Centre Upgrade), Lake Heights Public Preschool, King Street Warrawong Masterplan, and Hooka Creek Road Retirement Village, 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.

Employment conditions in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 14.5%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,410 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 10.6% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.8% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% and labour force increased by 0.5%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila. 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 Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $49,320 and an average of $58,343 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,690 (median) and $63,512 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila all fall between the 7th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 29.4% of locals (4,269 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila was slightly lagging that of Regional NSW, at 36.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.2%) or rented (34.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,764, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.5% of all households, comprising 29.3% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.2%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (28.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 122 active transport stops operating within Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 1,413 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 18.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 201 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Berkeley, Lake Heights, and Cringila face significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,000 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.7% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 63.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,660 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.2% of its population born overseas and 29.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila is Christianity, which makes up 55.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 11.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Regional NSW average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila are Australian, comprising 22.5% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 30.0%), English, comprising 20.0% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 30.5%), and Other, comprising 14.0% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 4.8%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 6.8% in Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila (vs 0.4% regionally), Serbian at 1.1% (vs 0.2%), and Lebanese at 3.4% (vs 0.2%).

Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

With a median age of 38, Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila is notably under the Regional NSW figure of 43 but is equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.7% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.2% to 14.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Berkeley - Lake Heights - Cringila's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 27% (573 people), reaching 2,705 from 2,131. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.