Denistone
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis shows Denistone's population is approximately 7,155 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 186 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,969 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 7,143 in June 2024 and 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,828 persons per square kilometer, placing Denistone in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 85.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, Denistone is expected to grow by 652 persons to 2041, with an increase of 8.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Denistone recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Denistone has recorded approximately 48 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Between FY21 and FY25, Denistone had 241 homes approved, with 9 more recorded in FY26 so far. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which may benefit buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $565,000. In FY26, $1.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Denistone's new dwelling approval rate per person is around two-thirds that of Greater Sydney, and it ranks among the 75th percentile nationally for areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 81.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Denistone has approximately 167 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Denistone will gain 640 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Ryde Hospital Redevelopment (commencing Jan-2022), Eastwood Shopping Centre Redevelopment (scheduled for completion by Dec-2023), and West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility (expected to open in Apr-2024). The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Denistone performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Denistone's workforce is highly educated, with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 12.7%. In June 2025, 4,180 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Denistone has a particularly high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 12.7% alongside labour force increasing by 11.3%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lags behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Denistone's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Denistone had a median income among taxpayers of $57,406 and an average level of $75,691. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Sydney's levels of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $63,491 (median) and $83,714 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Denistone rank at the 92nd percentile with a weekly income of $2,563. Income analysis reveals that 28.6% of residents (2,046 people) fall into the $4,000+ bracket, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. A substantial presence of higher earners is indicated by the 43.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income, with strong earnings placing residents within the 92nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Denistone, as recorded in the latest Census, 80.6% of dwellings were houses while 19.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney's metropolitan area where 42.9% of dwellings are houses and 57.1% are other dwellings. Home ownership in Denistone stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged properties at 37.7% and rented ones at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,817, surpassing Sydney's metropolitan average of $2,600. The median weekly rent figure in Denistone was recorded at $600, compared to Sydney's metropolitan average of $460. Nationally, Denistone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 83.7% of all households, including 48.5% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.3%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Denistone is notably high, with 49.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to national figures of 30.4% and NSW state figures of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.0% and certificates 12.0%.

Educational participation is also high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. The area's schools include St Therese's Catholic Primary School and Denistone East Public School, serving a total of 921 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Denistone demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, as indicated by its ICSEA score of 1123.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Denistone shows 23 active transport stops operating within the area. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 2,765 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 243 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 395 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Denistone, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population (4,085 people), compared to 62.1% across Greater Sydney.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.6 and 5.5% of residents respectively. A total of 77.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 77.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.5% (1,540 people), compared to 16.3% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Denistone has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.8% of its population born overseas and 46.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Denistone, making up 50.4% of its population. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.3% versus 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups in Denistone are Chinese (25.5%), English (16.2%), and Australian (14.8%). Korean (3.8%) and Lebanese (2.5%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.8% and 1.5%, respectively, while Italian ethnicity is slightly underrepresented at 4.7% versus 5.1%.

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

The median age in Denistone is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 years represents a strong 12.0% of the population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 9.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.7% to 14.1%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 4.8% to 6.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.9% to 11.9%, and the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 14.5% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Denistone, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 80%, reaching 846 people from its current figure of 470. This growth will be led by the combined 65+ age groups accounting for 71% of total population growth, reflecting Denistone's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.