Loftus - Yarrawarrah

Loftus - Yarrawarrah has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Loftus - Yarrawarrah's population is around 7,473 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 125 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,348 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,424 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,946 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Loftus - Yarrawarrah's 1.7% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 56.4% 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 86 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 337 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Loftus - Yarrawarrah, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Loftus - Yarrawarrah has recorded around 13 residential properties granted approval per year, with 68 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $306,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $1.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Loftus - Yarrawarrah records about 58% of the building activity per person while it places among the 22nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 91.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 720 people per dwelling approval, Loftus - Yarrawarrah reflects a highly mature market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Loftus - Yarrawarrah should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Loftus - Yarrawarrah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Heathcote Road Bridge Widening Project, Engadine Town Park Land Exchange, Sutherland Public School Hall Upgrade, and Heathcote Road Koala Protection Fencing, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Loftus - Yarrawarrah significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Loftus - Yarrawarrah has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 0.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,090 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 44.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical is under-represented, with only 9.5% of Loftus - Yarrawarrah's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. 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 employment increasing by 0.7% alongside labour force increasing by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Loftus - Yarrawarrah. 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 Loftus - Yarrawarrah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Loftus - Yarrawarrah SA2's median income among taxpayers is $66,879, with an average of $80,569. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $72,804 (median) and $87,707 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Loftus - Yarrawarrah, between the 76th and 91st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 27.3% of locals (2,040 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. The substantial proportion of high earners (42.1% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Loftus - Yarrawarrah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Loftus - Yarrawarrah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.7% houses and 9.2% 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 Loftus - Yarrawarrah was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 44.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.3%) or rented (8.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,684, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Loftus - Yarrawarrah's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Loftus - Yarrawarrah features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 84.2% of all households, comprising 46.8% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 14.7% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational qualifications in Loftus - Yarrawarrah trail regional benchmarks, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (26.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good 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 Loftus - Yarrawarrah, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 1,528 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 44.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 218 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Loftus - Yarrawarrah's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Loftus - Yarrawarrah, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,446 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.5 and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 70.4% 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 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,463 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Loftus - Yarrawarrah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Loftus - Yarrawarrah was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.2% of its population born in Australia, 95.0% being citizens, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Loftus - Yarrawarrah is Christianity, which makes up 60.2% of people in the area, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Loftus - Yarrawarrah are Australian, comprising 30.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, English, comprising 30.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Loftus - Yarrawarrah (vs 0.5% regionally), Lebanese at 0.4% (vs 2.6%) and Maltese at 0.5% (vs 1.0%).

Loftus - Yarrawarrah's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Loftus - Yarrawarrah 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 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (7.6% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.5%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.0% to 14.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 1.7% to 2.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.2% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Loftus - Yarrawarrah's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 301 people (143%) from 209 to 511. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 90% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.