Guildford West - Merrylands West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Guildford West - Merrylands West's population was 24,566 as of Aug 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 1,637 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,929. The change is inferred from ABS estimates of 24,554 in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of 4,491 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (6.4%) and the SA3 area, indicating its status as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.8% of overall 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by approximately the median rate of national statistical areas, reaching a population of 27,641 persons by 2041 with an overall increase of 12.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Guildford West - Merrylands West among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Guildford West - Merrylands West averaged approximately 156 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 781 dwellings approved over the past five financial years (FY-20 to FY-25), and 16 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling adds around 2.4 new residents annually over the past five financial years. This indicates healthy demand for housing, which may support property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $398,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, there have been approximately $2.8 million in commercial approvals, highlighting the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to Greater Sydney, Guildford West - Merrylands West has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 67th percentile nationally. New development consists of around 35% detached houses and 65% attached dwellings, showing a trend towards denser housing options that appeal to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 58% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The area has approximately 210 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. Future projections estimate Guildford West - Merrylands West to add around 3,063 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Guildford West - Merrylands West has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Guildford Pool Modernisation Project, 246 Woodville Road Mixed-Use Development, 239 Merrylands Road Mixed-Use Development, and The Gladstone Village - Amber (Stage 2). Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

Employment conditions in Guildford West - Merrylands West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Guildford West - Merrylands West has an unemployment rate of 12.0% as of June 2025. Of its residents, 9,859 are employed.

The area's unemployment rate is 7.8% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in the area is significantly lower at 45.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.8%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 3.1% while employment decreased by 0.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of Sep-25 shows employment contracted by 0.41%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with 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 Guildford West - Merrylands West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Guildford West - Merrylands West had a median income among taxpayers of $40,837 and an average income of $51,015 in the financial year 2022. These figures are lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $45,166 (median) and $56,423 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, individual incomes were at the 10th percentile ($587 weekly), while household incomes were at the 33rd percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 31.4% of the community (7,713 individuals), which is consistent with the metropolitan region's trend of 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Guildford West - Merrylands West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Guildford West - Merrylands West, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 58.5% houses and 41.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's figures of 62.1% houses and 37.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Guildford West - Merrylands West stood at 25.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (42.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $400, also matching Sydney metro's figure. Nationally, Guildford West - Merrylands West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in the area exceeded the national figure of $375 by $25.

Guildford West - Merrylands West features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.8% of all households, including 38.7% who are couples with children, 17.1% who are couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.2%, consisting of 23.0% lone person households and 4.2% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

Guildford West - Merrylands West shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Guildford West faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates of 22.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 39.1%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (18.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2021, a robust network of 7 schools operates within Guildford West - Merrylands West, educating approximately 3,400 students. Guildford West - Merrylands West demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 981) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 4 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Guildford West - Merrylands West has 151 active public transport stops. These are served by 47 routes offering a total of 5,519 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 119 meters for residents.

Service frequency is 788 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Guildford West - Merrylands West's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Guildford West - Merrylands West. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~11,398 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.1 and 5.8% of residents respectively, while 75.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Sydney. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,127 people), which is lower than the 13.9% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Guildford West-Merrrylands West has a population where 47.0% were born overseas, with 61.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in this area, practiced by 48.4%. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 32.0% of the population versus a regional average of 29.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (32.2%), Lebanese (16.8%), and Australian (13.3%). Notably, Samoan (0.9%) and Maltese (0.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively, while Filipino ethnicity is slightly higher at 2.2%.

Guildford West - Merrylands West's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Guildford West - Merrylands West has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Guildford West - Merrylands West has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (13.4%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.6% to 15.2%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 16.9% to 15.8%. By 2041, significant demographic shifts are forecasted for Guildford West - Merrylands West. The 55-64 age cohort is projected to grow by 30%, adding 751 residents and reaching a total of 3,215. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.