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 November 2025, is approximately 20,362. This figure represents an increase of 2,396 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,966. The growth is inferred from the 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 ratio of 1,959 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Penrith's growth rate of 13.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.5%) and the state level, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted, with Penrith expected to grow by 8,262 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 38.0% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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-26361 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average value of $295,000.

In FY-26, $210.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith records 107.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and indicating strong developer confidence. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, creating affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 36.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Penrith has approximately 123 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Penrith adding 7,733 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Future projections show Penrith adding 7,733 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects that could impact the area. Key projects 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 in September 2025 was 4.6%.

There were 10,936 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower, at 57.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Public administration & safety showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services had a limited presence at 5.9% compared to the regional level of 11.5%. As per the Census, there were 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 September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.7% while employment declined by 2.3%, resulting in a fall of 1.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Penrith. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Penrith SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $53,516. The average income stood at $62,248 during this period. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, current estimates for Penrith SA2 would be approximately $60,264 (median) and $70,097 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($812 weekly), while household income sits at the 28th percentile. The distribution data indicates that 33.3% of individuals in Penrith SA2 earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (6,780 individuals). 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

Penrith's dwelling structure in 2016 (the latest Census data) showed 36.1% houses and 63.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 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 in Penrith was $1,783, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure 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 constitute 53.8% of all households, including 16.8% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.2%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households comprising 5.0%. 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's university qualification rate is 24.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 - 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.

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 153 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 114 unique routes, offering a total of 7,833 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 138 meters to the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are approximately 1,119 daily trips and 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 health data. Both younger and older age groups are affected by various conditions.

The rate of private health cover in Penrith is approximately 51% of its total population (~10,404 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 53.8%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.4% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.6% of Penrith residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.9% (3,636 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 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, however, is more prevalent in Penrith compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 3.5% versus 3.6%.

The top ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (10.2%). Notable differences exist for Maltese (1.5% vs regional 2.9%), Filipino (2.5% vs 2.1%), and Samoan (0.6% vs 0.6%) groups.

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 years and slightly below Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between June 2021 and June 2022, Penrith's population has seen an increase in the 75-84 age group from 5.7% to 6.7%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 5.8% to 5.3%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Penrith's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 75-84 cohort, projected to increase by 111%, adding 1,516 residents to reach a total of 2,879.