Hurstville - Central

Hurstville - Central lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hurstville - Central's population is around 14,838 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,792 people (23.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,046 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,199 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 770 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 12,063 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought-after resource. Hurstville - Central's 23.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.6%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 88.9% of overall 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 4,379 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 25.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Hurstville - Central was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Hurstville - Central has averaged around 61 new dwelling approvals per year, with 307 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. With an average of 6.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $304,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $10.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Hurstville - Central shows moderately higher new home approvals (24.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New development consists of 8.0% standalone homes and 92.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 2272 people per dwelling approval, Hurstville - Central reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Hurstville - Central will gain 3,740 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Hurstville - Central has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 108-124 Forest Road Residential Development, 282 Forest Road Commercial Building, 9 Gloucester Road Mixed-Use Development, and Westfield Hurstville Residential Towers, 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 Hurstville - Central ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Hurstville - Central possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 5.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,478 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (78.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 32.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, education & training employs just 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.6% and the labour force increased by 5.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, and unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hurstville - Central. 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 Hurstville - Central's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Hurstville - Central SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $48,731 and an average of $59,197 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,049 (median) and $64,442 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Hurstville - Central, between the 33rd and 48th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.6% of residents (5,282 people), mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Hurstville - Central features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Hurstville - Central, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 11.3% houses and 88.8% 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 Hurstville - Central was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 17.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.8%) or rented (59.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,010, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Hurstville - Central's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hurstville - Central features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 70.7% of all households, comprising 26.2% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 9.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people matches the Greater Sydney average.

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

Educational attainment in Hurstville - Central significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 47.8% 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 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational pathways account for 21.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ - advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (7.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in tertiary education, 6.5% in primary education, and 4.3% 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 53 active transport stops operating within Hurstville - Central, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 28 individual routes, collectively providing 5,841 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 103 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; train is the most common mode at 41%, with 11% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 32.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 834 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 110 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hurstville - Central's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Hurstville - Central, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is approximately 48% of the total population (~7,181 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 diabetes and asthma, impacting 3.5% and 2.9% of residents, respectively, while 86.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,952 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Hurstville - Central is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 76.7% of its population born overseas and 84.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Hurstville - Central is Christianity, making up 22.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 21.0% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hurstville - Central are Chinese, comprising 45.9% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%), Other, comprising 27.2% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%), and English, comprising 6.3% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Macedonian is overrepresented at 1.3% in Hurstville - Central (vs 0.4% regionally), Lebanese at 1.2% (vs 2.6%), and Filipino at 2.3% (vs 2.0%).

Hurstville - Central hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 32 years, Hurstville - Central's median age is materially younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Sydney, Hurstville - Central has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (26.7%) but fewer 45 - 54 year-olds (8.3%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.6% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 28.4% to 26.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Hurstville - Central's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 22%, adding 857 residents to reach 4,822. On the other hand, numbers in the 35 to 44 age range are expected to fall by 457.