Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora's population is around 20,958 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 31 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,927 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,901 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 627 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 58.5% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 647 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora has recorded around 47 residential properties granted approval per year, with 235 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $429,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $10.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 11th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This means more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 77.0% standalone homes and 23.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1418 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora adding 590 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora 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 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Illawong Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Baxter Place, Sutherland Public School Hall Upgrade, and Blaxland Riverside Estate, 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 Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 12,174 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 43.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 9.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and the labour force increased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall 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 Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora. 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 Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,958 with the average level standing at $84,052. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,802 (median) and $91,499 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank exceptionally at the 93rd percentile ($2,692 weekly). Distribution data shows 28.8% of the population (6,035 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 44.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.7% houses and 17.2% 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 Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 40.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (48.0%) or rented (11.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,687, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $580, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 86.5% of all households, comprising 48.7% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.5%, with lone person households at 12.5% and group households comprising 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora trail regional benchmarks, with 28.6% 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 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (24.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 133 active transport stops operating within Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 60 individual routes, collectively providing 1,883 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 43.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 269 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

The level of general health in Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (12,910 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.7% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 71.2% 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 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,015 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 18.2% of its population born overseas and 14.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora is Christianity, which makes up 69.7% of the population. This compares to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora are Australian, comprising 26.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, English, comprising 25.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, and Irish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora (vs 0.4% regionally), Greek at 3.2% (vs 1.9%) and Maltese at 1.2% (vs 1.0%).

Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora 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 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (11.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.6%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.1% to 6.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.6% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Menai - Lucas Heights - Woronora's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 739 people (58%) from 1,276 to 2,016. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.