Cherrybrook
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Cherrybrook's population was 19,082 as of Aug 2021. By Jun 2024, it decreased to 18,950, a drop of 132 people (0.7%). This decrease is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 2,297 persons per square kilometer, above national averages. Overseas migration primarily drove growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For uncovered areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 are used, with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group apply to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth nationally, with Cherrybrook expected to grow by 56 persons by 2041, a gain of 0.3% over the 17 years.

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

Cherrybrook has seen approximately 15 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 75 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and one so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years has been matched by development activity, which has been adequate relative to population changes, benefiting buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,025,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Commercial approvals this financial year total $6.5 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cherrybrook has significantly less development activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This trend is also seen nationally, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. New building activity consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Cherrybrook's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 1224 people per dwelling approval, Cherrybrook reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Cherrybrook will gain 54 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact the area, with key ones including Highforest by Mirvac, Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Proposal, West Pennant Hills Large Development Site (88 hectares), and Cherrybrook Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Cherrybrook ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Cherrybrook has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the preceding year.

In June 2025, 10,566 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 62.2%, similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Cherrybrook has a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population data versus resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, while labour force increased by 3.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points in Cherrybrook. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate during the same period. As of Sep-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment growth lagged behind the national average of 0.26% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cherrybrook's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows that Cherrybrook has high incomes nationally. The median assessed income is $61,160 and the average income stands at $86,460. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $67,643 (median) and $95,625 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Cherrybrook's household incomes rank at the 96th percentile ($2,924 weekly). Income analysis shows that 34.2% of individuals earn over $4,000 weekly, compared to the surrounding region where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. A significant 48.8% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income and residents rank highly in disposable income at the 96th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Cherrybrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Cherrybrook, as per the latest Census, 81.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 18.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metro's 78.2% houses and 21.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cherrybrook was 40.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $695 compared to Sydney metro's $3,000 and $580 respectively. Nationally, Cherrybrook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $695 compared to the national figure of $375.

Cherrybrook features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 88.0% of all households, including 55.5% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 12.0%, with lone person households at 11.3% and group households comprising 0.7%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 3.0.

Cherrybrook demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Cherrybrook is notably high, with 52.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% statewide in NSW as of the latest data. The area's educational advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders (32.2%), postgraduate qualifications (17.0%), and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 20.8%, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 10.1%. Educational participation is high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.5% in primary, 10.5% in secondary, and 7.4% in tertiary education.

As of the 20XX census, Cherrybrook's four schools had a combined enrollment of 4,337 students. The area demonstrates exceptional educational performance, with an ICSEA score of 1150, indicating that local schools are among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school, with school capacity exceeding typical residential needs (22.9 places per 100 residents versus 17.4 regionally), suggesting that Cherrybrook serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Cherrybrook has 112 active public transport stops. These are a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 86 individual routes operating in total.

Collectively, they provide 5,102 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 728 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cherrybrook shows excellent health outcomes across all ages, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover here is approximately 63%, higher than the national average of 55.3%.

Among residents, arthritis affects 5.8% and asthma affects 5.5%. Around 76.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 75.9% in Greater Sydney. The area has 20.9% residents aged 65 and over (3,954 people), higher than the 18.9% in Greater Sydney. Seniors' health outcomes align with those of the general population.

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

Cherrybrook has a culturally diverse population, with 50.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 52.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cherrybrook, making up 44.8% of its population. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 11.6% of Cherrybrook's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.8%), English (16.1%), and Other (13.7%). Korean, Indian, and Sri Lankan ethnicities are also notably present in Cherrybrook at higher percentages than the regional averages: Korean at 2.6% vs 2.3%, Indian at 10.2% vs 7.5%, and Sri Lankan at 1.3% vs 1.0%.

Cherrybrook hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Cherrybrook is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up a substantial portion at 11.6%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 5.8%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.3% to 6.5%, while the 55 to 64 group has declined from 13.8% to 12.4% and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 7.2% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate a significant increase in the 75 to 84 age cohort, with an expansion of 588 people (47%) from 1,239 to 1,828. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 99% of total population growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.