Northmead

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

Northmead's population was approximately 21,839 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,564 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,275. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,799 in June 2025 and an additional 391 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,682 persons per square kilometer, placing Northmead in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's rate of 7.1%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Northmead is projected to grow by an above median rate nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to gain 3,734 persons, reflecting a total increase of 16.9% over the 16-year period.

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

Northmead has seen approximately 167 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 838 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved in FY26 so far. The average construction cost value of these properties is $264,000, which is below regional levels.

This suggests more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, Northmead has seen $309.9 million in approvals registered during the current financial year, indicating strong local business investment. When compared to Greater Sydney, Northmead's development levels per person are similar, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

The majority of new housing supply consists of medium and high-density dwellings (77%), with a smaller proportion being detached houses (23%). This trend offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Currently, there are around 245 people per dwelling approval in Northmead, indicating a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Northmead's population is projected to increase by 3,694 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Northmead has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 62 projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Sydney Metro West - Western Tunnelling Package, West Grove, West Grove Westmead, and Northmead Public School Upgrade. The following list details projects expected to have the 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 has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation, an unemployment rate of 2.3%, and estimated employment growth of 4.2% in the past year. As of December 2025, 14,518 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 82.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

Census data shows 49.8% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 1.0. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2% and labour force by 4.3%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northmead's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

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 financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Northmead SA2 is $61,812 and average income is $74,622. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Northmead would be approximately $68,191 and average income would be around $82,323 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Northmead cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 37.1% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (8,102 residents), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Northmead, as per the latest Census evaluation, 28.4% of dwellings were houses while 71.5% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Sydney metropolitan area's figures which stood at 55.9% for houses and 44.1% for other dwellings. Home ownership in Northmead was recorded at 17.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.3%) or rented (53.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Northmead was $2,167, significantly lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Northmead stood at $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Northmead's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 34.9% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 5.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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

Northmead's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 53.0% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). University graduates make up the largest group at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate degree holders at 18.6%. Graduate diplomas account for 2.7% of qualifications.

Vocational pathways are also significant, with 23.0% of residents having such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (12.7%). Educational participation is high in Northmead, 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

Northmead has 93 active public transport stops serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 98 individual routes, together facilitating 13,442 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated 166 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 65%, followed by train at 15% and walking at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.8% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency stands at an average of 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

Northmead's health data shows positive results, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and common health conditions across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 56% (~12,251 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma (5.7%) and mental health issues (5.5%), with 78.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 12.7% (2,762 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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, a culturally diverse area, has 53.7% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 52.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northmead, with 41.8%. Hinduism, however, is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average at 23.6%, compared to 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (22.2%), Indian (16.5%), and Australian (13.6%). Notably, Korean is overrepresented at 2.1% versus regional 1.1%, Lebanese at 2.4% versus 2.6%, and Sri Lankan at 0.7% versus 0.3%.

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

Northmead's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Northmead has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of Northmead's population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 3.8% to 4.7%, while the proportions for ages 0-4 and 35-44 have decreased to 6.6% and 18.7%, respectively. Population forecasts indicate substantial changes by 2041, with the 55-64 age group projected to grow by 41%, adding 708 residents to reach a total of 2,449. Conversely, the 0-4 age group is forecast to show minimal growth of just 1% (18 people).