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

Penrith's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 21,138. This figure reflects a growth of 3,172 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,966. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: Penrith's estimated resident population was 19,833 in June 2024, with an additional 748 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,034 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Penrith's growth rate of 17.7% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the SA4 region (6.5%) and the state level, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Penrith are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. 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 forecasted to experience significant growth, increasing by 8,262 persons to reach a total of 29,400 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 32.9% 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-26362 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $295,000, in line with regional trends. In the current financial year, $210.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith records 107.0% more construction activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the existing housing composition of 36.0% houses. The location has approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Penrith adding 6,957 residents by 2041.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, Mayfair Penrith, Penrith Stadium Redevelopment, and Jordan Springs Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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 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 is 4.6%. As of September 2025, 10,936 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 67.1%, lower than Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 33.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. There are 1.1 workers per resident, indicating Penrith functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.7% while employment declined by 2.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penrith's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The median income in Penrith SA2 was $57,823 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $67,589 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Penrith SA2's median income will be approximately $62,946 and average income $73,577, based on an 8.86% increase from financial year 2023 figures. According to census data, personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($812 weekly), while household income is at the 28th percentile. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of individuals in Penrith SA2 earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the region where this earnings band captures 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

Dwelling structure in Penrith, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 36.1% houses and 63.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Compared to Sydney metro's dwelling structure, Penrith had a lower percentage of houses (55.9%) and a higher percentage of other dwellings (44.1%). Home ownership in Penrith was 16.0% as of the latest Census data, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented dwellings at 62.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Penrith was $1,783, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Penrith was recorded at $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Penrith's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 46.2 percent, with lone person households at 41.2 percent and group households making up 5.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 24.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.3% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 6.5% in tertiary, and 5.9% in secondary education.

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

Penrith has 188 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 115 individual routes, facilitating 9,426 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest transport stop for residents is 138 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 77%, with train use at 11% and walking at 6%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.7, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,346 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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

Penrith faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,118 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Mental health issues affect 12.4% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.3%. Conversely, 62.6% report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Penrith has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,933 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for 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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.1% born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Penrith, accounting for 50.7%. Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.5% of Penrith's population versus 5.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (10.2%). Notably, Maltese (1.5%) and Filipino (2.5%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively. Samoan representation was also slightly higher 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. This is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 18.9%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 8.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.1% of Penrith's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 19.8% to 18.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Penrith's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 92%, adding 1,380 residents to reach a total of 2,879.