Penrith

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Penrith's population is around 21,138 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,172 people (17.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,966 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,833 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 748 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,034 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Penrith's 17.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.5%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 67.4% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 8,262 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 32.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 228 new homes approved annually, totalling 1,144 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26362 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3.1 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $295,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $210.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Penrith records 107.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 36.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Penrith adding 6,957 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Penrith has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 35 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, Mayfair Penrith, Penrith Stadium Redevelopment, and Jordan Springs Development, 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 drivers in Penrith are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Penrith features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.4%. As of December 2025, 10,719 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (66.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 33.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration and safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional and technical services have a limited presence with 5.9% employment compared to 11.5% regionally. With 1.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.6% while employment declined by 4.1%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Penrith. 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 Penrith's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% 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's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Penrith SA2's income level is approximately average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Penrith SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,823 and the average income stands at $67,589, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,946 (median) and $73,577 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($812 weekly), while household income sits at the 28th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.3% of the community (7,038 individuals), mirroring the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.7% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure within Penrith, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 36.1% houses and 63.9% 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 Penrith lagged that of Sydney metro, at 16.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.4%) or rented (62.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $1,783, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Penrith's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed 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 dominate at 53.8% of all households, comprising 16.8% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.2%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 (24.9%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.9% 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 188 active transport stops operating within Penrith comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 115 individual routes, collectively providing 9,426 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 11% by train and 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 33.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Penrith, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,118 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.4 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 62.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,933 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Penrith was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.1% of its population born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Penrith is Christianity, which makes up 50.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 3.5% of the population, compared to 5.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Penrith are English, comprising 24.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 23.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Other, comprising 10.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 16.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Penrith (vs 1.0% regionally), Filipino at 2.5% (vs 2.0%) and Samoan at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

Penrith's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Penrith's median age nearly matches the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (18.9%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (8.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.1% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.8% to 18.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Penrith's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 92%, adding 1,380 residents to reach 2,879.