Riverstone
Statistical Area - sa2

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 Aug 2025, is approximately 20,849. This figure represents a significant increase from the 13,844 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of 7,005 persons (50.6%). The change can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 18,860 as of June 2024 and an additional 1,672 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 648 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Riverstone's growth rate of 50.6% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state (6.4%) and metropolitan area averages, positioning it as a notable growth leader in the region. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth, contributing approximately 71.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Riverstone are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth for Riverstone, placing it among the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 34,283 persons based on the latest population numbers, representing a total increase of 154.9% over the 17-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 recorded approximately 465 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 2,326 homes were approved, with an additional 108 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 3.3 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This supply has substantially lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $481,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, there have been $6.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverstone has slightly more development activity, measuring 47.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, Riverstone's development activity is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 63.0% detached houses and 37.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 96.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 45 people moving to Riverstone per dwelling approval, it shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate that Riverstone will add approximately 32,294 residents by 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 91 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Riverstone Town Centre State Significant Rezoning, Riverstone Community Resource Hub and Aquatic Facility, New High School for Schofields and Tallawong, and Schofields Precinct Development. The following details projects of most relevance.

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Employment conditions in Riverstone demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Riverstone has a well-educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented with an unemployment rate of 3.6%.

There was estimated employment growth of 6.7% over the past year. As of June 2025, 10,414 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Riverstone was 66.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical employs only 8.0% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.7% while labour force increased by 6.5%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Riverstone. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Riverstone's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

Riverstone's median income among taxpayers was $65,869 and average income stood at $77,780 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, current estimates would be approximately $74,175 (median) and $87,588 (average). Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Riverstone, between the 75th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 40.5% of locals (8,443 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 30.9%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 30.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 20.3% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 75th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

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 comparison, Sydney metro had 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverstone was higher at 16.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.5% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, below Sydney metro's average of $2,700. Median weekly rent in Riverstone was $490, compared to Sydney metro's $540. Nationally, Riverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 16.5%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households accounting for 2.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.3.

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 the most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.1%, certificates for 22.8%. Educational participation is high at 31.6%, including 11.5% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Eleven schools serve 5,324 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1023) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area has five primary, one secondary, and five K-12 schools, functioning as an education hub with 25.5 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Riverstone has 108 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 47 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,626 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 226 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency stands at 660 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverstone's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Riverstone's health outcomes show excellent results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which consists of 12,259 people. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.5% and 6.9% of residents respectively. A total of 76.1% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 80.0% across Greater Sydney. Riverstone has 7.4% of its population aged 65 and over, comprising 1,551 people.

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

Riverstone has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.2% of its population born overseas and 33.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverstone, comprising 51.6% of the population. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented compared to the Greater Sydney average, making up 11.3% of Riverstone's population versus 20.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the top group at 21.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 15.0%. English follows with 18.8%, also above the regional average of 13.2%. The Other category comprises 17.0%, notably lower than the regional average of 22.0%. Some ethnic groups are notably divergent in their representation: Filipino at 4.5% (versus 6.2% regionally), Maltese at 2.9% (versus 1.7%), and Indian at 6.9% (versus 16.9%).

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

Riverstone's median age is 32 years, which is notably younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverstone has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (20.2%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.3%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 17.0% to 20.2%, while those aged 5-14 have risen from 14.3% to 16.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 19.3% to 16.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Riverstone's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 305%, adding 7,244 residents and reaching a total of 9,623.