Northmead

Northmead has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Northmead's population is around 23,531 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,256 people (16.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,275 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,706 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 387 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,968 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought-after resource. Northmead's 16.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.3% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,292 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 10.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Northmead when compared nationally

Northmead has seen around 167 new homes approved each year, with 838 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 25 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $264,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $309.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Northmead has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New building activity shows 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 245 people per dwelling approval, Northmead shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Northmead will gain 2,467 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 70 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Children's Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment, Westmead Health and Innovation District, Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead, and Westmead Shopping Village Redevelopment (West Grove), 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.

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Employment performance in Northmead ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Northmead possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 4.2% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 14,518 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 49.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.1% versus the regional average of 8.6%. The ratio of 1.0 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2% and the labour force increased by 4.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Northmead. 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 Northmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Northmead SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $61,812 while the average income stands at $74,622. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,289 (median) and $81,234 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Northmead cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 37.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (8,730 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 67th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Northmead, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 28.4% houses and 71.5% 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 Northmead lagged that of Sydney metro, at 17.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.3%) or rented (53.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Northmead's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.2% of all households, comprising 34.9% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 5.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Northmead significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 53.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational pathways account for 23.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (12.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.3% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 93 active transport stops operating within Northmead, comprising a mix of train, light rail, and buses. These stops are serviced by 98 individual routes, collectively providing 13,442 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 65%, with 15% by train and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 49.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,920 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

Northmead's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Northmead residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~13,200 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.7 and 5.5% of residents, respectively, while 78.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,174 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Northmead is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 53.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 52.9% born overseas. The main religion in Northmead is Christianity, which makes up 41.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 23.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Northmead are Other, comprising 22.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%, Indian, comprising 16.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.6%, and Australian, comprising 13.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.1% of Northmead (vs 1.1% regionally), Lebanese at 2.4% (vs 2.6%) and Sri Lankan at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).

Northmead hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Northmead's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 20.9% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.8%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.8% to 5.0% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 20.0% to 18.2% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 8.0% to 6.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Northmead. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 634 people (40%) from 1,585 to 2,220. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.