Galston - Laughtondale

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

Galston - Laughtondale's population is 5,485 as of Nov 2025. This is an increase of 49 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,436. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 5,483 in June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Galston - Laughtondale's growth rate of 0.9% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 106 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 1.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Galston - Laughtondale, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Galston - Laughtondale has recorded approximately 13 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 68 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations.

The average value of new properties constructed is $662,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY26, there have been $4.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to Greater Sydney, Galston - Laughtondale shows about 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 27th percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. The area's new development consists of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% attached dwellings, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

As of now, there are an estimated 618 people in the area per dwelling approval. By 2041, Galston - Laughtondale is forecasted to gain 103 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth beyond current forecasts.

Galston - Laughtondale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Arlington Heights Estate, Hornsby Park - from quarry to parklands, Berowra Valley National Park Northern Extension, and Mount Colah Station Upgrade. The following list details those 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.

Employment performance in Galston - Laughtondale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Galston-Laughtondale has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Over the past year, employment stability was relative. As of September 2025, 2890 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Sydney's and workforce participation similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employment is notably high at 1.8 times the regional average.

Finance & insurance is under-represented with only 3.6% of Galston-Laughtondale's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 7.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data analysis. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, but employment declined by 0.4%, raising unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. Statewide in NSW to 25-Nov-25, employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Galston-Laughtondale's local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Galston - Laughtondale SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $55,261 and an average income of $97,424 in the financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,229 (median) and $109,709 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes rank at the 86th percentile ($2,364 weekly). Income distribution shows 28.1% of locals (1,541 people) earning over $4,000 per week, differing from the surrounding region where the predominant cohort falls in the $1,500 - $2,999 range at 30.9%. The area's affluence is evident with 39.3% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Galston - Laughtondale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Galston - Laughtondale stood at 47.9%, similar to Sydney metro, with the rest being mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (13.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,784, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Galston - Laughtondale was $460, compared to Sydney metro's $520. Nationally, Galston - Laughtondale's median monthly mortgage repayment exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rent surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.5% of all households, including 40.0% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

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

In Galston - Laughtondale trail region, 31.5% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to the SA4 regional average of 40.4%. The most common educational qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 21.2% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 7.7%, and graduate diplomas by 2.6%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas are held by 12.8%, and certificates by 23.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Galston - Laughtondale has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 55 different routes that together facilitate 526 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically residing 889 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 75 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Galston - Laughtondale's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Galston - Laughtondale residents show positive health outcomes with common conditions affecting both young and old age groups similarly. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (3828 people), compared to 77.1% across Greater Sydney, and 55.3% nationally. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and asthma (6.2%).

69.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.3% in Greater Sydney. 26.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (1469 people), higher than the 22.4% in Greater Sydney. Senior health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Galston - Laughtondale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Galston-Laughtondale, when compared to its broader regional average, displayed similar levels of cultural diversity. The population born in Australia constituted approximately 80.4%, with citizenship held by around 91.0% and English spoken exclusively at home by about 90.0%. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Galston-Laughtondale, accounting for roughly 62.6% of its inhabitants, slightly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 65.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (8.3%). Notably, Lebanese ethnicity was overrepresented in Galston-Laughtondale at approximately 2.2%, compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Similarly, Italian ethnicity stood at around 5.1% versus the regional average of 6.0%, and Maltese ethnicity was recorded at about 0.8% against a regional average of 1.7%.

Galston - Laughtondale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Galston-Laughtondale's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.4% of its population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 13.2%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Galston-Laughtondale's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 53%, adding 303 residents to reach 875. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.