Merrylands - Holroyd

Merrylands - Holroyd lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Merrylands - Holroyd's population is approximately 28,176. This figure represents an increase of 4,370 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,806. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,810 as of June 2024 and an additional 1,547 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 5,692 persons per square kilometer, placing Merrylands - Holroyd in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 18.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeds both the state (7.6%) and Greater Sydney figures, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Merrylands - Holroyd expected to expand by 8,358 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 21.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Merrylands - Holroyd among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Merrylands - Holroyd has averaged approximately 403 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 2,019 homes were approved, with an additional 62 approved in FY-26 as of current figures. The average rate of new residents per new home over these years is around 0.9 annually.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $211,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26 up to present, commercial approvals totalling $17.7 million have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Sydney, Merrylands - Holroyd has 136.0% more new home approvals per person, offering ample choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This high level of activity reflects strong developer confidence in the area nationally. The current development pattern shows 13.0% detached dwellings and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, a significant shift from the current housing mix of 41.0% houses.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With approximately 241 people per dwelling approval, Merrylands - Holroyd indicates a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain around 5,989 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 48 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Gladstone Village - Stage 3, Central Quarter Merrylands, Evolve Housing Merrylands Social and Affordable Housing, and Cardinal Gilroy Village Redevelopment - 45 Barcom Street. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Merrylands - Holroyd face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Merrylands-Holyroyd has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 10.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.6%.

There were 11,297 residents in work in September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%, higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stood at 61.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census data showed that 34.3% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade had particularly high concentration with levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical services had limited presence at 7.5%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 3.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%, labour force grow by 2.4%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrylands-Holyroyd's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Merrylands - Holroyd SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $46,722. The average income stood at $55,771 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for September 2025 would be approximately $50,862, with the average being around $60,712. According to 2021 Census figures, Merrylands - Holroyd SA2's household income ranked at the 33rd percentile ($1,461 weekly), while personal income was at the 15th percentile. The predominant income cohort spanned 31.3% of locals (8,819 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions where 30.9% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Merrylands-Holroyd, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.4% houses and 58.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrylands-Holroyd stood at 21.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.1%) or rented (52.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Merrylands-Holroyd's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Merrylands - Holroyd features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 17.2% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Merrylands - Holroyd shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

In Merrylands-Holroyd, as of the latest data, 29.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 39.1%. This difference suggests potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Merrylands-Holroyd has 124 active public transport stops offering train and bus services. These are covered by 53 routes providing 5,857 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, being typically 142 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 71%, with 18% using trains and 6% buses. On average, there is 1.1 vehicle per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 34.3% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency averages 836 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Merrylands - Holroyd's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Merrylands - Holroyd. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be low, particularly among younger cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~13,355 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and diabetes, impacting 5.3 and 5.0% of residents respectively. 79.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,578 people), lower than the 15.3% in Greater Sydney but still ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Merrylands - Holroyd is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Merrylands-Holroyd is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 56.3% of its population born overseas and 70.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 44.4% of Merrylands-Holroyd's population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 29.6%, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 6.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' at 36.3% (substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%), Lebanese at 15.1% (higher than the regional average of 2.6%), and Australian at 10.3% (notably lower than the regional average of 17.8%). Other notable ethnic groups with higher representation include Croatian at 1.3%, Serbian at 0.6%, and Samoan at 0.7%.

Merrylands - Holroyd's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Merrylands - Holroyd has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Merrylands - Holroyd has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (8.3%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.6% to 4.2%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 19.5% to 18.3%. By 2041, Merrylands - Holroyd's population is projected to see significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 37%, adding 1,132 residents to reach a total of 4,190. However, the 35-44 age group is forecasted to decrease by 31 residents.