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

Hurstville-Central's population is approximately 14,838 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,792 people (23.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,046. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,199 in June 2024 and the addition of 770 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is 12,063 persons per square kilometer, placing Hurstville-Central among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Hurstville-Central's growth rate exceeds that of its SA4 region (7.6%) and the state, positioning it as a growth leader since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 88.9% 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. By 2041, Hurstville-Central's population is forecasted to increase by 4,379 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 25.2% over the 17-year period.

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 averaged approximately 61 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 307 homes approved during this period and an additional 4 approved in FY26. On average, 6.3 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $304,000, consistent with regional patterns.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $10.0 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area compared to Greater Sydney. Hurstville - Central has moderately higher new home approvals than the regional average over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. New development primarily consists of attached dwellings (92%), with standalone homes making up 8%. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 2272 people per dwelling approval, Hurstville - Central reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 3740 residents through to 2041. 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include the residential development at 108-124 Forest Road, a commercial building at 282 Forest Road, mixed-use development at 9 Gloucester Road, and Westfield Hurstville Residential Towers. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Hurstville - Central demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Hurstville - Central has a highly educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.7%. As of September 2025, 9,402 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is higher at 77.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 32.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training employs only 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, labour force grew by 5.0%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hurstville - Central's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Hurstville - Central SA2 is $48,731 and the average is $59,197 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are lower than average, with Greater Sydney reporting a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $53,049 (median) and $64,442 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hurstville - Central rank modestly, between the 33rd and 48th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 35.6% of residents (5,282 people), similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Hurstville Central's dwelling structure in 2016 comprised 11.3% houses and 88.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 17.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.8% and rented ones at 59.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in 2016 was $2,010, while the median weekly rent figure was $460. Nationally, Hurstville Central's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 70.7% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

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

In Hurstville - Central, residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader averages. 47.8% of residents hold university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the New South Wales (NSW) average of 32.2%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%.

Vocational pathways account for 21.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 13.2% and certificates 7.8%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, 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 shows 53 active stops operating in Hurstville - Central, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 28 individual routes, collectively offering 5,841 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 103 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Train is the most common mode at 41%, followed by bus at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 32.1% of residents work from home, which 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

AreaSearch's assessment of Hurstville - Central shows excellent health outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Only approximately 48% (~7,181 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and asthma were the most common conditions, affecting 3.5% and 2.9% respectively. About 86.7% reported no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area had 13.2% (1,952 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Seniors' health outcomes were strong, aligning with national rankings.

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 has a population where 76.7% were born overseas, with 84.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hurstville-Central, accounting for 22.2%. However, Hinduism is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average, comprising 21.0% of the population compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are Chinese (45.9%), Other (27.2%), and English (6.3%). Notably, Macedonian (1.3%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%, while Lebanese (1.2%) and Filipino (2.3%) also have notable divergences from their respective regional averages.

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

Hurstville - Central's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hurstville - Central has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.7%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (8.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 6.4% to 8.1%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 14.6% to 15.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 28.4% to 26.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Hurstville - Central's age profile. The number of residents aged 25-34 is expected to grow by 22%, adding 857 individuals to reach a total of 4,822. Meanwhile, the numbers in the 35-44 age range are projected to decrease by 457.