Penshurst

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

Penshurst's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,061 people. This figure represents an increase of 533 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,528 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,019 in June 2024 and the addition of 20 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 6,024 persons per square kilometer, placing Penshurst in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Penshurst's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's rate of 5.5%, positioning it as a growth leader within the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% to Penshurst's overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the national median for Penshurst. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 562 persons to reach a total of approximately 10,623 people by the year 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Penshurst, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Penshurst averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals annually over recent years. Between fiscal year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25107 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, each dwelling constructed resulted in approximately 1.1 new residents per year over the past five financial years. However, this figure has increased to 12.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating a potential shift towards higher demand and tightening supply.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $606,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $85,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus in Penshurst's development activity. Comparatively, Penshurst has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Sydney. Nationally, it ranks among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed for new dwelling approvals, indicating more limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

New building activity in Penshurst shows a mix of detached dwellings (64.0%) and townhouses or apartments (36.0%), offering a range of medium-density options across various price brackets. With approximately 501 people per dwelling approval, Penshurst exhibits characteristics of a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Penshurst is projected to grow by around 520 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely affecting the area. Notable initiatives include the Penshurst Town Centre Streetscape Public Domain Plan, Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line, Penshurst District Library, and King Georges Road Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Penshurst exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Penshurst has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year.

Employment grew by 2.3%. As of June 2025, 6,324 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Health care had employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Construction employment was lower at 5.8% compared to the regional 8.6%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment rose by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment also rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penshurst's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Penshurst SA2's median income among taxpayers was $49,710 and average income stood at $64,980 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $55,978 and average income is around $73,174 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 46th percentile, family incomes at the 47th percentile, and personal incomes between the two in Penshurst. The predominant income cohort spans 36.4% of locals (3,662 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999. This pattern is similar to surrounding regions where 30.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Penshurst, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Penshurst, as per the latest Census evaluation, 25.7% were houses while 74.3% consisted of other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penshurst stood at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 43.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,466. Median weekly rent in Penshurst was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Penshurst's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Penshurst has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.4% of all households, including 30.5% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than Greater Sydney's average of 2.8.

Penshurst shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 38.7% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.0% and certificates make up 15.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Penshurst has 43 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,242 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 111 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 606 transport trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 98 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows Penshurst has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover rate is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~5,221 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.7% and 5.0% of residents respectively. 77.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.2% across Greater Sydney. Penshurst has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,781 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 19.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Penshurst is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Penshurst has a culturally diverse population, with 60.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 45.8% of Penshurst's population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 13.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.9%), Chinese (21.2%), and English (12.4%). Macedonian (1.9%) Spanish (0.9%), and Filipino (3.5%) ethnicities are also notably present, differing from regional averages.

Penshurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Penshurst's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 17.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort comprises 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 8.8% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 18.8% to 17.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Penshurst's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 78%, reaching 940 people from its current 528. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 66% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.