Penshurst
Statistical Area - sa2

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 a growth of 533 individuals, a 5.6% increase from the 9,528 recorded in the 2021 Census. The estimated resident population of 10,019 as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date support this inference. This results in a population density of 6,024 persons per square kilometer, placing Penshurst among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Penshurst's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.5%) between 2021 and 2025, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, with a base year of 2021. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the national median by 2041, with Penshurst expected to expand by 562 persons, reflecting a total gain of 5.2% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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 per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25107 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. This results in around 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period. However, recent figures indicate an acceleration to 12.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average value of new homes being built is $243,000, which is below the regional average, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $85,000 in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penshurst has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, and it places among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing homes.

The new building activity shows 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options that cater to various price brackets. With approximately 501 people per dwelling approval, Penshurst demonstrates a developed market. Looking ahead, projections estimate a growth of around 520 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Penshurst has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 17 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects 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 projects likely to be 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 is 2.9%.

Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of June 2025, 6,324 residents are employed. Penshurst's unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is similar at 60.0%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Construction has limited presence at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels 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%, the labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment also rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penshurst's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Penshurst's median income among taxpayers was $49,710 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The average income stood at $64,980 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney had median and average incomes of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively in 2022. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Penshurst as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,978 and $73,174 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Penshurst ranked modestly, between the 47th and 47th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Penshurst was 36.4% of locals (3,662 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting a similar pattern seen in the surrounding region where 30.9% occupied this income range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Penshurst, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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% of dwellings were houses while 74.3% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney metro's 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. The median weekly rent in Penshurst was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Penshurst's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Penshurst features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households making up 3.8%. 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 stands out regionally with university qualification rates at 38.7% of residents aged 15+, exceeding both the Australian average of 30.4% and NSW's rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (15.2%).

Educational participation is notably high at 30.3%, including 8.3% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. Penshurst's schools have a combined enrollment of 1,430 students, with above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1068). Education provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 14.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.7, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Penshurst has 43 operational public transport stops offering a combination of train and bus services. These are served by 18 distinct routes facilitating a total of 4,242 weekly passenger journeys. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 111 meters.

Daily service frequency averages 606 trips across all routes, translating to about 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 excellent results across Penshurst, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~5,221 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.7% and 5.0% of residents respectively. 77.7% of residents report being 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), which is lower than the 19.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and broadly align 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's population is culturally diverse, with 60.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 45.8%. Hinduism stands out with 13.4%, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 6.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.9%), Chinese (21.2%), and English (12.4%). Notably, Macedonian (1.9%) Spanish (0.9%) and Filipino (3.5%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Penshurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

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