Paddington - Moore Park

Paddington - Moore Park is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Paddington - Moore Park's population is around 15,581 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 788 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,793 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,565 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,177 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Paddington - Moore Park's 5.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 80.8% 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 utilizing 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,538 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Paddington - Moore Park is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Paddington - Moore Park has averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals per year, with 38 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $988,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $819.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Paddington - Moore Park has significantly less development activity (83.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (7.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 2941 people per dwelling approval, Paddington - Moore Park reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Paddington - Moore Park will gain 1,522 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Paddington - Moore Park has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 81 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Hakoah White City Redevelopment, Moore Park Precinct Village, The Cambrian Paddington, and Woollahra Station Activation (Eastern Suburbs Railway), 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 conditions in Paddington - Moore Park demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Paddington - Moore Park possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 2.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,752 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 65.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 4.2% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% and the labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Paddington - Moore Park. 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 Paddington - Moore Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.1% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Paddington - Moore Park SA2's median income among taxpayers is $85,176, with an average of $157,150. This is among the top percentile nationally, and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $92,723 (median) and $171,073 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Paddington - Moore Park, between the 95th and 99th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 38.8% of locals (6,045 people) in the $4000+ category, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic strength emerges through 48.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 93rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Paddington - Moore Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Paddington - Moore Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 7.0% houses and 93.0% 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 Paddington - Moore Park slightly lagged that of Sydney metro, at 26.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.4%) or rented (47.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $590, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Paddington - Moore Park's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Paddington - Moore Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 53.1% of all households, comprising 19.7% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.9%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households comprising 8.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Paddington - Moore Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Paddington - Moore Park significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 65.7% 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 42.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 15.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (7.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in tertiary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 5.4% 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 72 active transport stops operating within Paddington - Moore Park, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 16,549 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 126 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 49%, with 22% walking and 13% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 65.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,364 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 229 weekly trips per individual stop.

Paddington - Moore Park's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Paddington - Moore Park, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 87% of the total population (13,617 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.9% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 76.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,195 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Paddington - Moore Park was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Paddington - Moore Park was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 13.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.4% born overseas. The main religion in Paddington - Moore Park is Christianity, which makes up 41.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 3.1% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Paddington - Moore Park are English, comprising 27.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 18.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Paddington - Moore Park (vs 0.5% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Polish at 1.2% (vs 0.6%).

Paddington - Moore Park's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Paddington - Moore Park is equal to the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 22.1% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.1%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 12.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.1% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 8.0% to 6.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Paddington - Moore Park's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 55 to 64 group will grow by 20% (359 people), reaching 2,115 from 1,755. Meanwhile, both the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.