Riverstone

Riverstone lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Riverstone's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 21,757. This figure represents an increase of 7,913 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,844. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 20,068 in June 2025 and an additional 2,033 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 676 persons per square kilometer. Riverstone's population grew by 57.2% between the 2021 Census and May 2026, exceeding both the state average (7.1%) and Greater Sydney's growth during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.6% of overall population gains in recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Riverstone is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally by 2041. The area is projected to increase by 32,089 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 139.7% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Riverstone was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Riverstone has seen approximately 465 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 2,326 homes were approved, and as of FY26409 have been approved so far. On average, about 3.3 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year over these five years.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $272,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, around $6.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverstone records elevated construction activity, with 43.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though development activity has moderated recently.

This level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development in Riverstone consists of approximately 63.0% detached dwellings and 37.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently around 96.0% houses, due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Riverstone reflects a developing area, with approximately 45 people per approval. Looking ahead, Riverstone is expected to grow by around 30,400 residents through to 2041, according to 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.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 89 such projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include the Riverstone Community Resource Hub and Aquatic Facility, New High School for Schofields and Tallawong, Schofields Precinct Development, and Crown Hill. 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 conditions in Riverstone demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Riverstone has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%.

As of December 2025, 10,999 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is high at 76.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses indicate that 40.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment is particularly high at 1.4 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employ 8.0% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 3.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and unemployment marginally increase. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The median taxpayer income in Riverstone SA2 is $70,566 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023. The average income is $81,142. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on a 10.32% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $77,848 (median) and $89,516 (average). Census data shows that Riverstone's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 75th and 81st percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 40.5% of Riverstone's community, with 8,811 individuals falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends in the area showing 30.9% in the same category. Economic strength is evident as 30.8% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 20.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 75th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Riverstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Riverstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverstone stood at 16.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.5% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent in Riverstone was recorded at $490, slightly higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Riverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Riverstone features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.5% of all households, including 47.1% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.5%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Riverstone performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 32.5%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 44.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 22.8%. Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

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

Riverstone's public transport analysis indicates 136 active transport stops operating within the area, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 51 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,782 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as good, with residents typically situated 239 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most residents commute outward; car remains the primary mode of transportation at 83%, while train usage stands at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. Notably, 40.4% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 826 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Riverstone's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Riverstone.

AreaSearch's assessment found mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence to be low, particularly among younger cohorts who had a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (13,032 people). The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.5 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A majority, 76.1%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for the under-65 population were better than average. Riverstone has 7.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,636 people), which is lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. However, when compared nationally, Riverstone ranks lower than the broader population.

Riverstone 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

Riverstone's population shows high cultural diversity, with 34.2% born overseas and 33.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 51.6%. Hinduism, at 11.3%, is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (21.6%), English (18.8%), and Other (17.0%). Notably, Filipino (4.5% vs regional 2.0%), Maltese (2.9% vs 1.0%), and Indian (6.9% vs 3.6%) groups are overrepresented in Riverstone.

Riverstone hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Riverstone's median age is 32 years, which is materially younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverstone has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44, at 20.7%, but fewer residents aged 65-74, at 4.3%. This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 17.0% to 20.7%, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 14.3% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.3% to 15.3%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 10.4% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Riverstone's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 cohort, which is expected to grow by 269%, adding 6,847 residents to reach a total of 9,391.