Haberfield - Summer Hill

Haberfield - Summer Hill has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Haberfield - Summer Hill's population is around 14,085 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 565 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,520 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,007 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,059 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Haberfield - Summer Hill's 4.2% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 319 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 368 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Haberfield - Summer Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Haberfield - Summer Hill has seen around 13 new homes approved each year, with 66 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $389,000. Additionally, $43.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Haberfield - Summer Hill shows substantially reduced construction (81.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 20.0% detached houses and 80.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 45.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 4472 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Haberfield - Summer Hill should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Haberfield - Summer Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 56 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sydney Metro Sydenham to Bankstown Conversion, 845-847 New Canterbury Road Development, Dulwich Hill Station Precinct Public Domain Improvements, and the Inner West GreenWay (Cooks to Cove), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 Haberfield - Summer Hill has been broadly consistent with national averages

Haberfield - Summer Hill possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. As of December 2025, 8,373 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 60.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.6% versus the regional average of 8.6%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.8% while employment declined by 1.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Haberfield - Summer Hill. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Haberfield - Summer Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Haberfield - Summer Hill SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $70,920 with the average level standing at $107,047. This is exceptionally high nationally and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $77,204 (median) and $116,531 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Haberfield - Summer Hill, between the 87th and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ bracket dominates with 28.9% of residents (4,070 people), differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength emerges through 40.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 85th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Haberfield - Summer Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 45.2% houses and 54.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Haberfield - Summer Hill was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 33.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (36.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $470, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Haberfield - Summer Hill's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Haberfield - Summer Hill features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.2% of all households, comprising 31.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 4.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Haberfield - Summer Hill significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (11.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 7.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 89 active transport stops operating within Haberfield - Summer Hill, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 43 individual routes, collectively providing 6,497 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 156 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 65%, with 15% by train and 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 60.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 928 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 73 weekly trips per individual stop.

Haberfield - Summer Hill'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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Haberfield - Summer Hill residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 74% of the total population (10,422 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.4% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 69.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,462 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Haberfield - Summer Hill 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

Haberfield - Summer Hill is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 31.2% of its population born overseas and 27.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Haberfield - Summer Hill is Christianity, which makes up 48.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Haberfield - Summer Hill are English, comprising 19.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.3% of the population, and Italian, comprising 12.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Haberfield - Summer Hill (vs 0.3% regionally), Korean at 0.9% (vs 1.1%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Haberfield - Summer Hill's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Haberfield - Summer Hill is somewhat higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (12.4% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.3%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.3% to 12.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 9.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.8% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Haberfield - Summer Hill's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by 290 people (35%) from 828 to 1,119. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 98% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.