Earlwood

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Earlwood's population is around 18,317 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 348 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,969 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,113 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,276 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 167 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by 747 people. See the age section for more details.

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, with 266 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 21 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $484,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Earlwood has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This level is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 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, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 80.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 320 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Earlwood should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 78 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Sydney Metro City & Southwest, Botany Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Bexley North Hotel Mixed-Use Development, and Sir Joseph Banks Carpark and Amenities, 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.

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

Earlwood has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 5.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,587 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 56.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 12.1% of Earlwood's workforce compared to 14.1% in Greater Sydney. The predominantly residential 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 5.1% and labour force increased by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Earlwood. 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 Earlwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Earlwood SA2 is among the highest in Australia, with the median assessed at $62,143 while the average income stands at $84,062. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,649 (median) and $91,510 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 75th percentile ($2,163 weekly), while personal income sits at the 56th percentile. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 27.9% of locals (5,110 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, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. 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

Dwelling structure within Earlwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Earlwood was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 45.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (21.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,809, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $570, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Earlwood's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.1% of all households, comprising 41.4% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

At 33.2%, university qualification levels in Earlwood sit marginally below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (16.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 120 active transport stops operating within Earlwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 40 individual routes, collectively providing 3,537 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 9% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 56.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 505 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Earlwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (11,283 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3% and 5.6% of residents, respectively, while 73.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,026 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 35.9% of its population born overseas and 48.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Earlwood is Christianity, which makes up 66.5% of the population. This compares to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Earlwood are Greek, comprising 17.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.9%, Other, comprising 14.3% of the population, and Australian, comprising 13.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 6.3% of Earlwood (vs 2.6% regionally), Vietnamese at 2.9% (vs 1.8%) and Italian at 7.2% (vs 3.4%).

Earlwood hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 44, Earlwood notably exceeds the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 13.5% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Earlwood's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 33% (585 people), reaching 2,382 from 1,796. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.