Eastwood
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Eastwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Eastwood's population was approximately 20,035 as of August 2025. This represented an increase of 1,061 people, a 5.6% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,974. The change was inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 20,024 in June 2024 and an additional 117 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 3,787 persons per square kilometer, placing Eastwood in the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Eastwood's growth rate of 5.6% since the census was within 0.8 percentage points of the state's 6.4%, suggesting strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilized NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Eastwood is expected to grow by 3,040 persons to 2041, a total gain of 15.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Eastwood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Eastwood has recorded approximately 171 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 855 homes over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with 30 approved so far in FY26. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years is 0.7. This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth beyond projections.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $551,000. Commercial approvals this financial year total $2.1 million, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Eastwood shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person when measured against Greater Sydney and ranks among the 81st percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas. New development consists of 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift contrasts with Eastwood's existing housing composition, which is currently 53.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

Eastwood reflects low density with around 135 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Eastwood will gain approximately 3,029 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Eastwood 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 27 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Eastwood Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Eastwood Station Improvements, Eastwood Central Precinct Project, and Second Avenue Townhouse Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The labour market in Eastwood demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Eastwood's workforce is highly educated, with the technology sector well-represented. The unemployment rate in Eastwood was 4.0% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 12.2% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 11,388 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is 0.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Eastwood is 57.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 6.4% of Eastwood's workforce compared to 8.6% in Greater Sydney. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 12.2%, while labour force increased by 11.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Eastwood's employment could increase by approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of national industry-specific projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's financial year 2022 data shows Eastwood's median income was $47,235 and average income was $72,452. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $52,242 (median) and $80,132 (average), based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Eastwood's household income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($1,953 weekly) and personal income at the 41st percentile. The largest segment comprises 30.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,130 residents), aligning with the broader area's 30.9%. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. Eastwood's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Eastwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.2% houses and 46.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 42.9% houses and 57.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eastwood stood at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented dwellings at 39.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,750, higher than Sydney metro's $2,600. Median weekly rent in Eastwood was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $460. Nationally, Eastwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,750 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.3% of all households, including 38.8% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 4.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

Eastwood's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 50.9% compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 19.9%, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 9.6%. Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (8.7%), tertiary (8.4%), secondary (6.2%).

Eastwood's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,550 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1118). Educational provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrollments, refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Eastwood shows that there are currently 117 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 33 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 4,862 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 149 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 694 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Eastwood demonstrates excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 55% (~11,079 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 62.1%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 4.7% and 4.6% respectively. 79.9% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 77.6%. Eastwood has a larger senior population at 18.9% (3,796 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Eastwood has a diverse population, with 68.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 60.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Eastwood at 38.7%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 7.0% of Eastwood's population.

Chinese ancestry is prevalent at 42.8%, much higher than the regional average of 20.9%. Other notable groups include English (10.1%) and Other (10.1%). Korean, Lebanese, and Sri Lankan ethnicities show some divergence in representation compared to Greater Sydney averages.

Eastwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Eastwood is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Eastwood has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.4% locally) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population of those aged 15-24 has grown from 11.0% to 12.9%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has declined from 12.7% to 11.4%. By 2041, Eastwood's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. Notably, the number of residents aged 75-84 is expected to grow by 82%, reaching 2,141 from 1,174. This growth will be led by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 59% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the populations of those aged 0-4 and 25-34 are expected to decline.