Riverwood
Statistical Area - sa2

Riverwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Riverwood's population is around 12,170 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 564 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,606 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,175 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,457 persons per square kilometer, which places Riverwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Riverwood has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.8% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast, with Riverwood expected to grow by 4,276 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 35.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Riverwood granted approximately 35 residential approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25177 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.7 new residents moved into newly constructed dwellings each year between FY-21 and FY-25.

This rate suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and supporting population growth. The average expected construction cost of these properties was $462,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $4.1 million, indicating limited focus on commercial development in Riverwood compared to other areas. When assessed against Greater Sydney and nationally, Riverwood shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 38th percentile of areas surveyed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction in Riverwood comprises 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a skew towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The area has approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established demographic. Looking ahead to 2041, Riverwood is expected to grow by 4,281 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

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

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. These include: 17-21 Pennsylvania Road Residential Development - Riverwood (completed in 2019), Riverwood Community Centre Upgrade (commenced in September 2020, completion expected in late 2021), 21 Charles St Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Rd Peakhurst Seniors Housing (both commenced in early 2021, with no completion dates provided), and Riverwood Estate Renewal (initiation date not specified). The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

The labour market performance in Riverwood lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Riverwood has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 8.2% in June 2025, showing a 1.5% employment growth over the past year.

In Riverwood, 5,811 residents were employed as of June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 46.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing employment is at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 6.2% versus the regional average of 8.9%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force increased by 2.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Riverwood had a median income among taxpayers of $49,551. The average income stood at $65,684. This was slightly above the national average of $56,994 and higher than Greater Sydney's average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since June 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $54,803 and an average income of around $72,647 as of March 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that incomes in Riverwood fall between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 26.8% of Riverwood's population, equivalent to 3,261 individuals, have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This is similar to the regional average of 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Riverwood, with only 76.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Riverwood's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 36.2% houses and 63.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Sydney metro's figures of 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverwood stood at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.3% and rented ones at 58.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, below the Sydney metro average of $2,466. Median weekly rent was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.1 percent of all households, including 27.9 percent couples with children, 20.5 percent couples without children, and 15.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9 percent, with lone person households at 30.7 percent and group households comprising 4.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

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

Riverwood trail has 31.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common (21.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 14.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.3% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 6.6% in tertiary. Riverwood's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 720 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1033). These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 5.9, below the regional average of 11.7, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Riverwood has 65 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 18 routes that facilitate 3,364 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 121 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 480 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Riverwood residents show relatively good health outcomes.

The prevalence of common conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. This covers around 6,377 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.9%) and diabetes (6.4%). A total of 73% report no medical ailments, compared to 77.2% in Greater Sydney. Riverwood has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.2% (2,699 people), compared to the Greater Sydney average of 19.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are generally good, mirroring those of the overall population.

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

Riverwood has a high level of cultural diversity, with 59.5% of its population born overseas and 67.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverwood, making up 42.6% of its population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Riverwood compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 7.9% versus 5.4%.

The top three ancestry groups in Riverwood are Chinese (30.1%), Other (18.9%), and Australian (9.6%). Some other ethnic groups are also notable for their higher representation: Lebanese at 4.7%, Filipino at 3.5%, and Maori at 1.5%.

Riverwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Riverwood has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Riverwood has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort (11.5% locally) and an under-representation of the 5-14 year-olds (8.7%). Between 2021 and now, the population of the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 10.2% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Riverwood's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 935 people (104%), from 895 to 1,831 residents. Notably, the combined population of the 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Riverwood's aging demographic trend. The 0 to 4 age group is projected to grow modestly at 7%, adding only 36 residents during this period.