Riverwood

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

Riverwood's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 12,290 people. This figure represents an increase of 684 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,606 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,175 in June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,501 persons per square kilometer, placing Riverwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Riverwood's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 5.5%, positioning it as a growth leader within its region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Riverwood, placing it in the top quartile of national areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 4,276 persons, recording an overall gain of 33.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Riverwood has recorded approximately 35 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 177 homes were approved, and by May 2026, a further 5 have been approved in FY-26. On average, over these five years, each dwelling constructed has resulted in approximately 0.7 new residents per year.

This rate suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost of new properties is around $357,000. In the current financial year, there have been $4.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverwood shows about 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 38th percentile of areas assessed for construction activity, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and may indicate possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Riverwood comprises approximately 44% standalone homes and 56% townhouses or apartments, favoring compact living options that offer affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has an established population density of around 455 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead to 2041, Riverwood is projected to grow by approximately 4,161 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with this 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 identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include key developments such as the 17-21 Pennsylvania Road Residential Development in Riverwood, the upgrade of the Riverwood Community Centre, the construction at 21 Charles St Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Rd Peakhurst for seniors housing, and the Riverwood Estate Renewal. 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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The labour market performance in Riverwood lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Riverwood's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 8.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year.

As of that date, 5,811 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0%, higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Riverwood 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 shows high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training has lower representation at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 2.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Riverwood had a median income among taxpayers of $49,551 with the average level standing at $65,684. This was just above the national average and compared to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,799 (median) and $73,967 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Riverwood all fell between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 26.8% of the population (3,293 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 76.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

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 per the latest Census, consisted of 36.2% houses and 63.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverwood stood at 18.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.3%) or rented (58.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, below Sydney metro's average of $2,466. Median weekly rent was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863, while rents were lower at $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% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.2% 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

Educational qualifications in Riverwood trail show 31.0% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 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%. Current educational participation is high, with 29.1% enrolled in formal education: primary (8.3%), secondary (6.9%), and tertiary (6.6%).

Riverwood's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 720 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1033). All 4 schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average (5.9 vs 11.7), indicating some students may attend adjacent areas' schools.

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 stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 3,364 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 121 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 480 trips per day, equating to approximately 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 have shown relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area, covering about 6,439 people in total. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 6.9% of residents) and diabetes (6.4%), while 73.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 77.2% across Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.2% or approximately 2,725 people, compared to the 19.1% in Greater Sydney. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and largely align with the general population's health profile.

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's population is culturally diverse, with 59.5% born overseas and 67.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverwood, comprising 42.6%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney (7.9% vs 5.4%).

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (30.1%), Other (18.9%), and Australian (9.6%). Notably, Lebanese (4.7%) and Filipino (3.5%) groups are overrepresented in Riverwood compared to regional averages of 3.2% and 1.9%, respectively. Additionally, Maori representation is higher 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 average 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 present, the 15-24 age group grew from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 10.2% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Riverwood's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to surge dramatically, increasing by 926 people (102%) from 904 to 1,831. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. The 0-4 group is projected to grow modestly at 6%, adding only 31 residents.