Petersham - Stanmore
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Petersham - Stanmore's population is around 21,245 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,347 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,898. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 20,986 in June 2024 and an additional 356 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 7,081 persons per square kilometer, placing Petersham - Stanmore in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 6.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.4%) and the state average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. Examining future population trends, Petersham - Stanmore is expected to increase by 1,155 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of approximately 4.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Petersham-Stanmore averaged approximately 109 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five years, from FY20 to FY25546 dwellings were approved, with three more approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $545,000. This financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $69.2 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Petersham-Stanmore has significantly less development activity, 56.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Activity is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 758 people per approval, Petersham-Stanmore is a mature, established area. Future projections indicate an addition of 896 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely to impact the area. Notable initiatives include Inner West Housing Investigation Areas, Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment (scheduled for completion by June 2023), Victoria Road Precinct Rezoning (commenced July 2021). Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

Employment conditions in Petersham - Stanmore remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Petersham-Stanmore has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 5.7% and there was an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 13,289 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.2%, which is 1.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Petersham-Stanmore is 71.4%, well above Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. The area specializes particularly in professional & technical employment with a share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence with only 4.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.6%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.7%. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points to 4.5%. State-level data as of Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but these differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Petersham-Stanmore's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Petersham - Stanmore's median income among taxpayers was $69,793 and average income stood at $96,726 in financial year 2022. These figures are higher than Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on a 10.6% increase from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $77,191 (median) and $106,979 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Petersham - Stanmore rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 28.6% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader regional trends at 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 39.6%, earns above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity. High housing costs consume 18.9% of income, but disposable income remains at the 79th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Petersham-Stanmore as of the latest Census, 20.5% of dwellings were houses while 79.5% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasted with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 29.2% houses and 70.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petersham-Stanmore stood at 21.4%, lower than Sydney metro's average. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 29.5%, while rented properties made up 49.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,800 and significantly above the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Petersham-Stanmore was $470, compared to Sydney metro's $495 and nationally recorded $375.

Petersham - Stanmore features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.9 percent of all households, including 21.9 percent couples with children, 26.6 percent couples without children, and 6.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.1 percent, with lone person households making up 32.9 percent and group households comprising 10.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.3.

Educational achievement in Petersham - Stanmore places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

In Petersham-Stanmore, educational attainment exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.6% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2%, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (10.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.0% in tertiary, 6.8% in primary, and 5.8% in secondary education. Eight schools operate within Petersham-Stanmore, educating approximately 3,915 students. The area demonstrates strong socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1148. Education provision is balanced, with five primary and three secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Petersham-Stanmore has 47 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 37 unique routes, collectively facilitating 9,385 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living within 160 meters of the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,340 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Petersham - Stanmore is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Petersham-Stanmore demonstrates above-average health outcomes, with both young and old age cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (14,829 people), compared to 64.8% across Greater Sydney, and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 69.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Greater Sydney.

The area has 11.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,483 people), which is lower than the 13.0% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Petersham - Stanmore was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Petersham-Stanmore has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.3% of its population born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 33.5%. Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.6%.

For ancestry, the top groups are English (23.0%), Australian (18.5%), and Other (11.7%). Notably, Irish ethnicity is higher at 11.2% versus 9.7% regionally, French at 0.9% compared to 0.8%, and Spanish at 0.8% compared to 0.7%.

Petersham - Stanmore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Petersham - Stanmore's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Petersham - Stanmore has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.9% to 12.9%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 14.7% to 13.4%. The proportion of residents aged 5-14 has also dropped, from 8.4% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest Petersham - Stanmore's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 65 to 74 is expected to grow by 29%, adding 369 residents to reach a total of 1,634 in this age group. Residents aged 65 and above are projected to drive 70% of population growth, reinforcing trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, the populations of those aged 25-34 and 0-4 are expected to decline.