Earlwood
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of November 2025, Earlwood's population is approximately 18,129. This figure represents an increase of 160 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,969. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,113 in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,243 persons per square kilometer, placing Earlwood in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 years 2032 to 2041. According to projections, Earlwood's population is expected to decline overall by 167 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, with the 65-74 age group projected to increase by 747 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Earlwood according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Earlwood has seen around 53 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25266 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $484,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year, $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential development. Earlwood's development levels are similar to Greater Sydney per person, supporting market stability, but lower than national levels, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This marks a significant shift from the current 80.0% houses pattern, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Earlwood has approximately 320 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 78 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Sydney Metro City & Southwest, Botany Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Bexley North Hotel Mixed-Use Development, and Sir Joseph Banks Carpark and Amenities. The following list details those projects that are likely to be 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.

The labour market in Earlwood shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Earlwood has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 10,600 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has a concentration 1.3 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 12.1% of Earlwood's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, labour force by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Earlwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows income in Earlwood is among the highest in Australia. The median income is $58,766 and the average income stands at $81,759. 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 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,176 (median) and $92,069 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 76th percentile ($2,163 weekly), while personal income sits at the 56th percentile. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 27.9% of locals (5,057 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 35.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 76th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Earlwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 48.7% houses and 51.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Earlwood stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,809, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Earlwood was $570, compared to Sydney metro's $390. Nationally, Earlwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Earlwood features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.1% of all households, including 41.4% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

The educational profile of Earlwood exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Earlwood, 33.2% of residents hold university qualifications, slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 26.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 16.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.8% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education. The three schools in Earlwood have a combined enrollment of 1,142 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1099). All three schools focus on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 6.3, below the regional average of 9.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Earlwood has 91 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 3,517 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 149 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 502 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Earlwood. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (11,022 people), compared to 49.6% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3 and 5.6% of residents respectively. A total of 73.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.7% across Greater Sydney. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,875 people), which is higher than the 15.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Earlwood's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.9% born overseas and 48.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Earlwood, comprising 66.5%, compared to 45.8% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Greek (17.9%), Other (14.3%), and Australian (13.5%).

Notably, Lebanese (6.3%) and Italian (7.2%) populations in Earlwood exceed regional averages of 10.6% and 3.9%, respectively, while Vietnamese is slightly lower at 2.9%.

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

Earlwood's median age stands at 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 constitutes a strong 13.3% of Earlwood's population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 11.5% to 13.3%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.2% and the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 15.8% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Earlwood's age profile will significantly change. Leading this shift, the 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 38%, reaching 2,382 people from 1,724. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.