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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 10,061 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 533 people, a rise of 5.6% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,528. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,019 as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. 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%, making it a growth leader within the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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. Future population trends indicate a growth just below the national median, with an expected expansion of 562 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total 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 has averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 107 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, up to the present time, 12 dwellings have been approved. Over these five years, an average of 1.1 new residents has been associated with each dwelling constructed. However, in the past two financial years, this figure has increased to 12.7 people per dwelling, indicating a rise in demand and potential supply constraints.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $243,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $85,000 have been registered, reflecting Penshurst's predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penshurst has approximately two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, Penshurst ranks in the 32nd percentile among assessed areas, indicating more limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This activity is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Penshurst shows a mix of dwelling types: 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments. This indicates an expanding range of medium-density options, creating opportunities across various price brackets. However, the current preference for detached housing (64.0%) is higher than the Census figure of 26.0%, demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 501 people per dwelling approval, Penshurst exhibits signs of a developed market. Looking ahead, Penshurst is projected to grow by 520 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Assuming current development patterns continue, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and 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 has identified 17 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include 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 likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Penshurst demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Penshurst has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, with estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 6,392 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance has notably high concentration with levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Construction has limited presence with 5.8% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. In Penshurst, during the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force by 4.3%, resulting in unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to national unemployment of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penshurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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. This compares to Greater Sydney's figures of $56,994 (median) and $80,856 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $55,978 and average income around $73,174, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 46th percentile, family incomes at the 47th, and personal incomes also at the 47th percentile in Penshurst. The predominant income cohort spans 36.4% (3,662 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to surrounding regions where 30.9% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 81.0% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure in Penshurst, as per the latest Census, comprised 25.7% houses and 74.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penshurst was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented dwellings at 43.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, below Sydney metro's average of $2,466. The median weekly rent in Penshurst was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Penshurst's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 versus 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, consisting of 30.5% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households comprising 3.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney 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 NSW's rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 15.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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, together facilitating 4,242 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 111 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 606 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 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 (5.7%) and asthma (5.0%). 77.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.2% in 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 one of the highest levels of linguistic diversity in the country, with 60.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 54.9% of Penshurst's residents contribute to its cultural richness. Christianity is the predominant religion in Penshurst, practiced by 45.8%.

However, Hinduism stands out as significantly more prevalent than the Greater Sydney average, comprising 13.4% of Penshurst's population. In terms of ancestry, 'Other' tops the list at 22.9%, higher than the regional average of 15.7%. Chinese and English ancestry follow with 21.2% and 12.4% respectively. Notably, Macedonian (1.9%), Spanish (0.9%) and Filipino (3.5%) ethnic groups are more represented in Penshurst compared to 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 comprises 17.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort stands at 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.8% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 18.8% to 17.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Penshurst's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 78%, reaching 940 people from its current 528. The population aged 65 and above is expected to comprise 66% of the total growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.