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

Merrylands-Holroyd's population is approximately 27,192 as of November 2025. This represents a growth of 3,386 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 23,806. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 25,861 in June 2024 and an additional 1,547 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 5,493 persons per square kilometer, placing Merrylands-Holroyd among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 14.2% since the Census exceeds both its SA3 area (6.5%) and the state average, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.6% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas; Merrylands-Holroyd is expected to expand by 8,358 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 25.6% over the 17 years.

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

Merrylands - Holroyd averaged approximately 403 new dwelling approvals annually from FY21 to FY25. In total, 2,019 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 56 approved in FY26 as of the current date. The average number of new residents per year per new home over these five financial years was 0.9.

This indicates that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth. The average value of new properties constructed was $211,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $17.7 million have been registered, indicating 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 despite a recent slowdown in building activity. This high level of activity reflects strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity in Merrylands - Holroyd consists of approximately 13.0% detached dwellings and 87.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

It also reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, marking a significant change from the current housing mix of 41.0% houses. With around 241 people per dwelling approval, Merrylands - Holroyd shows a developing market with population forecasts indicating an increase of 6,973 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering 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 20% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 48 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 likely to be 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 - Holroyd has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 10.9% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

As of that date, 11,297 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.7%, which is above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lagged at 46.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade notably concentrated at 1.2 times the regional average. However, 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 based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 3.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Merrylands - Holroyd'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 was $42,697 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $53,411 during the same period. Comparing this to Greater Sydney figures, which were $56,994 and $80,856 respectively, shows that Merrylands-Holroyd's incomes were below the national averages. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $48,081 and average income around $60,146 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranked at the 33rd percentile with a weekly income of $1,461, while personal income was at the 15th percentile. The data indicated that the predominant cohort in Merrylands-Holroyd consisted of 8,511 people, or 31.3% of locals, earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting a pattern similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% fell within this income range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Merrylands-Holroyd, with only 77.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Merrylands-Holroyd's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 41.4% houses and 58.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 62.1% houses and 37.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrylands-Holroyd was at 21.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (26.1%) or rented (52.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Merrylands-Holroyd was $400, matching Sydney metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Merrylands-Holroyd's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

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

Merrylands-Holroyd residents aged 15+ with university degrees: 29.8%, compared to SA4 region's 39.1%. Educational development potential indicated by this gap. Bachelor degrees most common (20.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials held by 27.1% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.5%).

High educational participation noted, with 34.6% currently enrolled: primary education (10.3%), secondary education (8.1%), tertiary education (6.9%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Merrylands - Holroyd shows that there are currently 117 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. A total of 54 individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 5,289 weekly passenger trips.

The report dated 20th June 2021 rates the transport accessibility as excellent, with residents on average being located just 141 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages out to 755 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results in Merrylands - Holroyd, with younger cohorts exhibiting a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 47% (~12,780 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 5.3 and 5.0% of residents respectively. 79.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 77.0%. Merrylands - Holroyd has 12.7% (3,453 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 13.9%.

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 Australia's most culturally diverse areas, with 56.3% of its population born overseas and 70.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Merrylands-Holroyd, accounting for 44.4% of its population. Islam, however, is notably overrepresented, comprising 29.6% compared to 29.1% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' at 36.3%, Lebanese at 15.1%, and Australian at 10.3%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Serbian is at 0.6% (vs 0.3%), and Samoan remains unchanged 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 proportion of residents aged 0-4 (8.3%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.6% to 4.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 19.5% to 18.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Merrylands-Holroyd. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 1,239 residents to reach a total of 4,190. Meanwhile, the 35-44 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 3% (122 people).