Lilyfield - Rozelle
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Lilyfield - Rozelle reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Lilyfield - Rozelle's population is around 14,118 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 294 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,824 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,152 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,921 persons per square kilometer, making land in the area highly sought after. Lilyfield - Rozelle's growth rate of 2.1% since the census positions it competitively with other SA3 areas. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 66.4%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for the area, expected to grow by 2,882 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, with a total increase of 20.6% over 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Lilyfield - Rozelle when compared nationally

Lilyfield-Rozelle has recorded approximately 68 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 342 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,219,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. This financial year has seen $49.3 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lilyfield-Rozelle has 64.0% more development activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern of 32.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The area has approximately 563 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Population forecasts predict Lilyfield-Rozelle will gain 2,916 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Lilyfield - Rozelle has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Rozelle Village Mixed-Use Precinct, Rozelle Village itself, Balmain Shores - Harbourwatch Building G, and Lilyfield by Crown Group. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

Lilyfield - Rozelle has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Lilyfield-Rozelle has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of June 2025, compared to Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%. There were 8,773 residents employed while the local unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than that of Greater Sydney. Workforce participation in Lilyfield-Rozelle was 70.2%, exceeding Greater Sydney's rate of 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents include professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance.

The area has a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade shows lower representation at 6.5% versus the regional average of 9.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 4.2%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lilyfield-Rozelle's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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 ATO data released for financial year 2022, Lilyfield - Rozelle had a median income among taxpayers of $84,339 and an average level of $122,994. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the national averages of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $94,974 and average income at $138,504 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Lilyfield - Rozelle rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 39.8% of residents (5,618 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 50.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 96th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Lilyfield - Rozelle displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Lilyfield-Rozelle, as per the latest Census, 32.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 67.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metropolitan's 30.0% houses and 70.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilyfield-Rozelle was 27.2%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 39.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,500, aligning with the Sydney metro average, while the median weekly rent was $600, also matching the Sydney metro figure. Nationally, Lilyfield-Rozelle's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Lilyfield - Rozelle features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.4% of all households, including 30.3% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Lilyfield - Rozelle demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Lilyfield-Rozelle is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 55.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 21.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 10.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education. There are six schools operating within Lilyfield-Rozelle, educating approximately 2,056 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1143). Education provision is balanced with four primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 14.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.3, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Lilyfield-Rozelle has 46 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 30 individual routes that facilitate 9,043 weekly passenger trips combined. Residential accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 1,291 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 196 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lilyfield-Rozelle shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 79% of its total population of 11,209 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 8.2 and 7.1% respectively. A total of 73.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 73.2%. The area has 14.6%, or 2,056 people, aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Lilyfield - Rozelle 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

Lilyfield-Rozelle has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 15.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lilyfield-Rozelle, comprising 41.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism has a slightly higher representation in Lilyfield-Rozelle at 0.5%, compared to 0.7% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.3%), Australian (19.9%), and Irish (11.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.5% in Lilyfield-Rozelle compared to 0.4% regionally, French remains consistent at 0.8%, and Welsh shows a slight increase to 0.8%.

Lilyfield - Rozelle's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Lilyfield - Rozelle has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in Lilyfield - Rozelle at 16.0%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 8.2% to 9.9%, while the 35-44 age group has decreased from 17.9% to 16.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant growth in the 75-84 age cohort, with an increase of 591 people (an 85% rise) from 698 to 1,290. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is projected to grow by a modest 1%, adding 19 people.