Croydon

An assessment of population growth drivers in Croydon reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Croydon's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 11,300. This figure represents an increase of 307 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,993. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,314 as of June 2024 and three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,362 persons per square kilometer, placing Croydon in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 1,754 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Croydon has averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 99 homes were approved, with a further 13 approved so far in FY26. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $497,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $70,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. When compared to Greater Sydney, Croydon shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 65.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, there has been an increase in development activity in recent periods, although it remains below the national average.

This suggests that the area is well-established and potentially faces planning limitations. The current development mix consists of 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a range of housing types catering to different price ranges, from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. With around 474 people per approval, Croydon indicates a mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Croydon's population is forecasted to grow by 1,768 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with this population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Croydon has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely to impact this region. Notable projects include Croydon Transport Oriented Development Precinct, Burwood Culture House, NSW Health Infrastructure Program - Inner West, and NSW School Infrastructure Program - Inner West. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Croydon recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Croydon has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of September 2025.

The area's employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year. As of September 2025, 5938 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is 0.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Croydon was somewhat lower at 57.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Croydon shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Croydon's labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering five and ten-year periods starting May-25, suggest that Croydon's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using industry-specific projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Croydon SA2 had high national incomes. The median was $53,208 and the average was $74,359. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,918 (median) and $83,736 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($2,121 weekly), while personal income is at the 46th percentile. Income analysis shows that 28.8% of locals (3,254 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to broader regional trends of 30.9%. Notably, 34.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Croydon's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.2% houses and 42.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 33.5% houses and 66.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Croydon stood at 37.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 32.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,640, higher than Sydney metro's $2,436. Median weekly rent in Croydon was $460, similar to Sydney metro's $465. Nationally, Croydon's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 74.5% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Croydon shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Croydon's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 43.3% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 21.8%, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 11.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in tertiary, 7.7% in primary, and 7.7% in secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 56 active stops operating within Croydon, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 42 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,300 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 757 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 94 weekly trips per stop.

Croydon's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Croydon performed well on health metrics across all age groups, with low prevalence of common conditions.

Private health cover was high at approximately 56%, covering around 6,384 people. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 6.1% and 6.1% respectively. About 74.0% reported no medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Sydney. Croydon has 19.8%, or 2,236 people aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 14.5%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Croydon's cultural diversity is notable, with 47.7% of its population born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Croydon, making up 47.3% of people. However, Buddhism stands out with 6.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 6.2%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are Chinese (23.2%), Australian (12.6%), and English (12.4%). Some ethnic groups show significant variation: Lebanese at 4.3% in Croydon compared to the regional average of 3.1%, Croatian at 1.6% versus 0.7%, and Korean at 1.9% against Greater Sydney's 2.8%.

Croydon's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Croydon's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Croydon has a notably higher proportion of 15-24 year-olds (15.2% locally) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.8%). Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 12.7% to 15.2%, and the 25-34 cohort rose from 14.1% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 10.5% to 8.9%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, Croydon's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 cohort is expected to grow by 81%, adding 1,083 residents to reach 2,415. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 56% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.