Penrith
Statistical Area - sa2

Penrith lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Penrith's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 20,362. This figure represents a growth of 2,396 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,966. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 19,882 in June 2024 and an additional 715 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,959 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Penrith's growth rate of 13.3% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA4 region (5.5%) and the state level, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Penrith are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, Penrith is expected to experience significant growth, with an increase of 8,262 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 38.0% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Penrith was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Penrith has seen approximately 228 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,144 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 354 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply is significantly lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $295,000, in line with regional trends. In FY-26, $210.4 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith records 107.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. This activity is above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 36.0% houses. The location has approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Penrith adding 7,733 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Penrith has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 35 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, Mayfair Penrith, Penrith Stadium Redevelopment, and Penrith RSL Club Extension. The following list details those projected to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Penrith has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Penrith has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of June 2016.

As of June 2025, there are 10,878 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Penrith is somewhat lower at 57.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. There is particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 5.9% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. According to Census data from June 2025, there are 1.1 workers for every resident in Penrith, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3% while employment declined by 1.8%, resulting in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that Penrith's employment could grow by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Penrith's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $53,516. The average income stood at $62,248 during the same period. For Greater Sydney, these figures were $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Penrith's median income would be approximately $60,264 and average income around $70,097, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($812 weekly), while household income is at the 29th percentile. The distribution of incomes shows that 33.3% of Penrith's community falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, mirroring the region where this bracket captures 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Penrith, with only 76.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

Penrith's dwelling structures in the latest Census showed 36.1% houses and 63.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penrith was at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 62.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,783, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Penrith was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Penrith's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 53.8 percent of all households, including 16.8 percent couples with children, 21.6 percent couples without children, and 13.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.2 percent, with lone person households making up 41.2 percent and group households comprising 5.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Penrith aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 24.9%, significantly below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is high at 29.3%, including 8.6% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education. Penrith's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,753 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1019). School places per 100 residents are at 8.6, below the regional average of 16.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Penrith has 153 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 114 individual routes, providing a total of 7,833 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 138 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,119 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Penrith is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Penrith faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from various sources. The rate of private health cover in Penrith is approximately 51%, which is slightly lower than the average for SA2 areas at around 53.8%.

This figure represents about 10,404 people in Penrith compared to Greater Sydney's overall rate. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 12.4% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.6% of Penrith residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Greater Sydney. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over in Penrith is 17.9%, or 3,636 people, which is higher than the 14.1% recorded in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in Penrith generally align with those of the broader population.

Penrith was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Penrith's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.1% born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Penrith, accounting for 50.7%. Hinduism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.5% of Penrith's population versus 3.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (10.2%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Maltese at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 2.9%, Filipino at 2.5% versus 2.1%, and Samoan at 0.6%.

Penrith's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Penrith's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 and modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 19.6%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 8.8%. This 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 6.7% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group has declined from 5.8% to 5.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Penrith's age profile will evolve significantly, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 111%, adding 1,516 residents to reach a total of 2,879.