Richmond - Clarendon

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Richmond - Clarendon's population is around 16,537 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,298 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,239 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,312 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 221 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Richmond - Clarendon's 8.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 68.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,812 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 21.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Richmond - Clarendon has experienced around 147 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 735 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 61 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $330,000. Additionally, $23.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Richmond - Clarendon records 113.0% more development activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 154 people per dwelling approval, Richmond - Clarendon shows characteristics of a growth area.

Looking ahead, Richmond - Clarendon is expected to grow by 3,587 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Richmond - Clarendon has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements, Redbank Estate - Stage 8 & Future Stages, Redbank North Richmond Master-Planned Community, and North Richmond Woolworths & Retail Expansion, 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Richmond - Clarendon has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Richmond - Clarendon features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.3%. As of December 2025, 8,267 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 27.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to 11.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 4.6% while employment declined by 4.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2%, the labour force expanded 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 Richmond - Clarendon. 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 Richmond - Clarendon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Richmond - Clarendon SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $57,739 and an average of $69,899 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is just above the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,855 (median) and $76,092 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Richmond - Clarendon, between the 40th and 47th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.0% of residents (5,457 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 38th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Richmond - Clarendon, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.7% houses and 25.4% 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 Richmond - Clarendon was 32.2%, which is well beyond that of Sydney metro, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.8%) or rented (36.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Richmond - Clarendon's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.9%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (28.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 143 active transport stops operating within Richmond - Clarendon, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 91 individual routes, collectively providing 3,696 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 27.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 528 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Richmond - Clarendon, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,913 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.3 and 9.5% of residents, respectively, while 63.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,740 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.2% of its population being citizens, 83.2% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Richmond - Clarendon is Christianity, which makes up 59.7% of the population. This compares to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Richmond - Clarendon are English, comprising 29.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 28.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Irish, comprising 7.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Richmond - Clarendon (vs 1.0% regionally), Macedonian at 1.1% (vs 0.4%) and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 0.7%).

Richmond - Clarendon's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Richmond - Clarendon is somewhat higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (9.4% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (12.1%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 10.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Richmond - Clarendon. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 61% (951 people), reaching 2,508 from 1,556. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 5%, adding only 50 residents.