Griffith (NSW)
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Griffith's population was around 21,641 as of August 2025. This is an increase of 1,072 people, a 5.2% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 20,569. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 20,703 in June 2024 and an additional 565 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 384 persons per square kilometer. Griffith's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (3.7%) and non-metro areas, indicating it is a growth leader. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 65.7% of recent population gains.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, Griffith's population is expected to increase by 3,022 persons, a total gain of 9.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Griffith among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Griffith records approximately 139 residential properties granted approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25698 dwellings were approved, with 38 approvals so far in FY-26. Over these years, an average of 0.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes is $402,000, in line with regional trends. This financial year, Griffith has recorded $112.5 million in commercial development approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Griffith has 74.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice.

New building activity comprises 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 131 people per approval, Griffith reflects a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Griffith will gain 2,071 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.

Griffith has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment, Griffith Hill Lifestyle Estate, Yambil Street Upgrade Stage 4, and Wakaden Street Affordable Townhouses. 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 Griffith shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Griffith NSW has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8%.

As of June 2025, 11,003 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is 0.7% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Griffith is 64.2%, compared to 56.4% in the Rest of NSW. The dominant employment sectors among residents are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a particularly high presence with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.9%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%.

Some residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 7.8% alongside a labour force increase of 8.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with the Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. 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. Applying these projections to Griffith's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022 shows Griffith's median income among taxpayers was $51,341 with an average of $58,989. This was lower than the national average and compared to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $56,783 (median) and $65,242 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Griffith cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 36.6% of the population, equating to 7,920 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income.

Griffith is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Griffith, as per the latest Census evaluation, 80.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 19.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.5% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Griffith stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones at 37.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Griffith was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $250. Nationally, Griffith's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Griffith has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 70.6% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 29.4%, comprising 26.1% lone person households and 3.3% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Rest of NSW average.

Griffith faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

In the specified area, university qualification rates stand at 18.6%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are notable, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (25.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.9%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (2.6%). Fourteen schools serve a total of 3,974 students across Griffith. The educational mix comprises six primary, six secondary, and two K-12 schools. Note: for schools with 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Griffith has 415 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 60 routes, offering 1,118 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 117 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 159 trips per day across all routes, equating to about two weekly trips per individual stop.

Griffith'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

Griffith residents showed relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions similar across age groups. Private health cover was found at approximately 49%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma (8.4%) and arthritis (7.5%), while 70.9% reported no medical ailments, higher than Rest of NSW's 67.6%. Residents aged 65 and over constituted 16.4%, lower than Rest of NSW's 18.3%. Overall health profile was broadly in line with the general population.

Griffith was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Griffith was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.4% of its population born overseas and 29.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Griffith, making up 64.9% of people there. However, the most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 4.5% of Griffith's population compared to 2.7% across the rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Griffith are Australian (21.0%), English (20.2%), and Italian (17.7%). Notably, Griffith has a lower percentage of people with Australian ancestry than the regional average of 26.3%. Additionally, there are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan is overrepresented at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Indian at 4.9% (regional average 2.4%), and Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% (regional average 5.1%).

Griffith's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Griffith is 37 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up 15.9% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise 8.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.0% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 35-44 age cohort is expected to increase by 525 people (17%), rising from 3,060 to 3,586. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.