Redfern

An assessment of population growth drivers in Redfern reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Redfern's population is around 15,858 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,188 people (16.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,670 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,359 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 190 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 9,328 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Redfern's 16.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 3,061 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Redfern according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Redfern has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 21 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 15.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $100,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $31.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Redfern has significantly less development activity. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Looking ahead, Redfern is expected to grow by 2,562 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Redfern has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 60 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Redfern Place, Redfern Co-Living Housing, Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal, and Hudson Vine Mixed Use Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Redfern faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Redfern features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 10.7%. As of December 2025, 8,711 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 6.5% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 60.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 8.6%. With 1.5 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% combined with employment decreasing by 1.4%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Redfern. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Redfern's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Redfern SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Redfern SA2's median income among taxpayers is $70,078 and the average income stands at $96,382, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,287 (median) and $104,921 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 89th percentile nationally ($1,178 weekly). Looking at income distribution, 24.9% of the population (3,948 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.9% in the same category. The substantial proportion of high earners (36.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Redfern. High housing costs consume 21.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Redfern, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 1.4% houses and 98.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Redfern lagged that of Sydney metro at 14.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.0%) or rented (64.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,789, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Redfern's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 45.3% of all households, comprising 11.6% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 5.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 54.7%, with lone person households at 42.1% and group households comprising 12.6% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Redfern fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational attainment in Redfern significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 56.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 36.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (10.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in tertiary education, 4.6% in primary education, and 3.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 61 active transport stops operating within Redfern, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 32 individual routes, collectively providing 26,439 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 37%, with 23% by train and 18% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 60.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3,777 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 433 weekly trips per individual stop.

Redfern's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Redfern residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (11,053 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.0% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 70.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,221 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Redfern scores highly on cultural diversity, with 29.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.5% born overseas. The main religion in Redfern is Christianity, which makes up 30.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Redfern are English, comprising 21.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of the population (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.1% (vs 0.6%) and Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Redfern's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Redfern's median age is nearly matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Redfern has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (26.1%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (5.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.3% to 13.3% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 17.5% to 16.3% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 27.2% to 26.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Redfern's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 85%, adding 3,504 residents to reach 7,650. In contrast, both 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.