Hurstville - Central
Statistical Area - sa2

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 14,296 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,250 people (18.7%) 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 581 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11,622 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. Hurstville - Central's 18.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.3%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 population numbers, reflecting an increase of 29.9% 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 approximately 61 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 307 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25 and one so far in FY-26. On average, 6.3 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply which typically puts upward pressure on property prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $360,000, under regional levels, offering more affordable housing choices for buyers.

In FY-26, there have been $10.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Sydney. Relative to the region, Hurstville - Central records somewhat elevated construction rates, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. Recent construction comprises 8.0% standalone homes and 92.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which 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.

Looking ahead, Hurstville - Central is expected to grow by approximately 4,282 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Westfield Hurstville Residential Towers, 9 Gloucester Road Mixed-Use Development, 108-124 Forest Road Residential Development, and Sydney Metro City & Southwest. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Hurstville - Central ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Hurstville - Central has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year. As of June 2025, 8,916 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Health care & social assistance had notably high concentration, being at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training employed only 4.3% of local workers, compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, and labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Hurstville - Central. Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% during this period, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. In NSW as of Sep-25, employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with national employment growth lagging at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Hurstville - Central's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Hurstville - Central has a median taxpayer income of $43,306 and an average of $55,538 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $56,994 and an average of $80,856. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $47,896 (median) and $61,425 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hurstville - Central rank modestly, between the 33rd and 48th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 35.6% of residents (5,089 people), mirroring 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 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

Hurstville - Central's dwelling structure, according to the latest Census, comprised 11.3% houses and 88.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstville - Central was 17.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.8% and rented at 59.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,010, below the Sydney metro average of $2,466. Median weekly rent in Hurstville - Central was $460, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Hurstville - Central's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,010 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $460 compared to the national figure of $375.

Hurstville - Central features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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. The remaining 29.3% are non-family households, consisting of 20.2% lone person households and 9.1% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

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 exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 47.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational pathways account for 21.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 7.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.2% in tertiary, 6.5% in primary, and 4.3% in secondary education. The three schools in Hurstville - Central have a combined enrollment of 1,492 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1074. Educational provision is balanced, with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Hurstville-Central has 44 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes, facilitating 6,120 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 104 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 874 trips per day, equating to approximately 139 weekly trips per 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 shows excellent results in Hurstville - Central, with low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover rate is approximately 48%, covering about 6,804 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 53.6% and the national average of 55.3%. Diabetes and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 3.5% and 2.9% of residents respectively.

About 86.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.2% in Greater Sydney. In this area, 12.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,771 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 19.1%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile.

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 a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 22.2%. Hinduism is notably high at 21.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.5%.

The top three parental birth countries are Chinese (45.9%), Other (27.2%), and English (6.3%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Macedonian at 1.3% (regional avg 2.3%), Lebanese at 1.2% (regional avg 3.2%), Korean at 0.7% (regional avg 0.4%).

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 (27.7%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (8.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has grown from 6.4% to 7.6%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has declined from 8.6% to 7.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Hurstville - Central's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to grow by 22%, adding 857 people to reach a total of 4,822. Conversely, the number of residents aged 35-44 is expected to decrease by 354.