Ermington - Rydalmere

Ermington - Rydalmere lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Ermington - Rydalmere's population is around 27,001 as of May 2026. From the 2021 Census to this date, there has been an increase of 2,360 people (9.6%), bringing the population from 24,641 to the current figure. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 26,962 in June 2025 and an additional 619 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 2,735 persons per square kilometer, placing Ermington - Rydalmere in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. This growth rate exceeds both the state average (7.1%) and the SA3 area, indicating a growth leader status for Ermington - Rydalmere since 2021. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.7% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. 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. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Ermington - Rydalmere, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally over the period. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 20,491 persons, reflecting a total increase of 75.7% over the 16-year span.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ermington - Rydalmere among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Ermington-Rydalmere has seen approximately 364 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1820 homes. As of FY-26926 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply-demand market with stable conditions. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $389,000.

This financial year has seen $49.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ermington-Rydalmere has 41% more development per capita over the five-year period, offering buyer choice while supporting property values. Developer interest in the area is robust, significantly above the national average. Recent construction comprises 12% standalone homes and 88% townhouses or apartments, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This shift from the existing 56% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 113 people per dwelling approval, Ermington-Rydalmere is a growth area projected to add 20,446 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ermington - Rydalmere 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 48 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct, Melrose Central, Melrose Park High School, and Rivea Rydalmere. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Ermington - Rydalmere has been broadly consistent with national averages

Ermington-Rydalmere has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year. As of December 2025, there are 15,697 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is 0.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

The workforce participation rate is 73.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 45.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 9.4% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, and labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Ermington-Rydalmere's local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Ermington - Rydalmere SA2 has a median income of $59,117 and an average income of $72,376. This is higher than the national averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). By March 2026, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, median income is estimated at $65,218 and average income at $79,845. The 2021 Census reveals Ermington - Rydalmere's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 56th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 32.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999. High housing costs consume 20.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Ermington - Rydalmere displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As of the latest Census evaluation in Ermington-Rydalmere, 56.4% of dwellings were houses, with 43.6% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. In terms of home ownership, Ermington-Rydalmere had a rate of 22.8%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (35.1%) or rented (42.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure stood at $430, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Ermington-Rydalmere's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ermington - Rydalmere has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 75.2% of all households, including 40.8% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 36.8% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 17.1%.

Educational participation is high at 31.1%, including 10.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ermington-Rydalmere has 171 active public transport stops serving a mix of ferry, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 38 routes, offering 6,828 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 138 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 82%, followed by trains at 7% and buses at 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 975 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies the data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Ermington - Rydalmere's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though slightly higher across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Ermington-Rydalmere based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population but slightly higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~14,823 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (5.9%) and arthritis (5.5%), with 76.5% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,961 people). Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Ermington-Rydalmere has a high level of cultural diversity, with 45.1% of its population born overseas and 50.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ermington-Rydalmere, comprising 53.7% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 5.8% of Ermington-Rydalmere's population versus 6.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 16.1%, Chinese at 15.8%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%, and Australian at 15.2%. Notably, Korean (6.8% vs 1.1%), Lebanese (4.3% vs 2.6%), and Filipino (2.4% vs 2.0%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Ermington-Rydalmere compared to the regional averages.

Ermington - Rydalmere's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ermington-Rydalmere has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group comprises 16.9% of Ermington-Rydalmere's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 15.0%, which is lower compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.6% to 16.9%. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.6% to 5.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Ermington-Rydalmere's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 76%, adding 3,061 people and reaching a total of 7,114 from its current figure of 4,052.