Richmond - Clarendon
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Richmond - Clarendon are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Richmond-Clarendon's population is 16,499 as of Aug 2025. This shows an increase of 1,260 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,239. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 16,312 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since then. This results in a density ratio of 221 persons per square kilometer. Richmond-Clarendon's growth rate of 8.3% since the 2021 Census exceeds both SA3 area (4.3%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.6% to overall population gains recently, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth across statistical areas, with Richmond-Clarendon expected to increase by 3,812 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of 22.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Richmond - Clarendon among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Richmond-Clarendon has seen approximately 147 dwellings granted development approval annually over the past five financial years, totaling 735 homes. As of FY-26, 34 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built since FY-21 to FY-25 has attracted 2.1 new residents per year, indicating robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these new homes is $523,000.

This year, $23.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Richmond-Clarendon has 113.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has recently eased. Of the new developments, 79.0% are detached houses and 21.0% are townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

With around 154 people moving in for each dwelling approval, Richmond-Clarendon is considered a growth area. By 2041, it is projected to gain 3,625 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

The influence of local infrastructure changes on an area's performance is significant. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements, Redbank North Richmond Master-Planned Community, Redbank Village Centre Commercial Precinct, Shared Path Bridge Over Rickabys Creek. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Richmond - Clarendon has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Richmond - Clarendon has an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of June 2025, with 8,421 residents employed. This is 1.1% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 56.9%, below Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specialises in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence, at 4.9% compared to 11.5% regionally.

Labour force decreased by 2.3% over a 12-month period, while employment declined by 2.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%. As of Sep-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Richmond - Clarendon's growth may be approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Richmond - Clarendon had a median taxpayer income of $53,617 and an average income of $66,206 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856 in the same period. As of March 2025, estimates based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $59,300 and the average income around $73,224. Census 2021 data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Richmond - Clarendon rank modestly, between the 41st and 47th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 dominates with 33.0% of residents (5,444 people), aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 38th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Richmond - Clarendon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Richmond-Clarendon's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 79.7% houses and 20.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richmond-Clarendon was at 32.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.8% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Sydney metro's average. The median weekly rent was $400, similar to Sydney metro's figure. Nationally, Richmond-Clarendon's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Richmond - Clarendon features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.8% of all households, including 26.9% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Richmond - Clarendon aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Richmond-Clarendon has university qualification rates at 19.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (12.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.6%, comprising 8.9% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Nine schools operate within Richmond-Clarendon, educating approximately 2,699 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1002) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area has six primary and three secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note that 'n/a' in school enrolments indicates the figure is not available or refers to the parent campus.

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

Richmond-Clarendon has 104 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 90 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,322 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents located an average of 231 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 474 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Richmond - Clarendon is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Richmond-Clarendon faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from June 2022.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. As of this date, approximately 52% (~8,645 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.3 and 9.5% of residents respectively, as of June 2022. However, 63.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Greater Sydney at this time. As of June 2022, 22.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,654 people), which is higher than the 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly inline with the general population's health profile at this time.

Richmond - Clarendon ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Richmond-Clarendon showed low cultural diversity, with 87.2% citizens, 83.2% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 59.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.7%. Top ancestries were English (29.1%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (7.9%).

Notably, Maltese (2.7%) were overrepresented versus regionally (4.6%), as were Macedonian (1.1% vs 0.5%) and Dutch (1.7% vs 1.4%).

Richmond - Clarendon's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Richmond-Clarendon is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 75-84 age cohort is over-represented in Richmond-Clarendon at 9.2%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.2% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.2% to 9.4%. By 2041, Richmond-Clarendon's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 66%, adding 995 people and reaching a total of 2,508 from the current 1,512. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 58% of the anticipated population increase. The 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, adding only 39 residents.