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

Riverwood's population was 12,170 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This represented an increase of 564 people from the 2021 Census figure of 11,606, inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 12,175 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 4,457 persons per square kilometer, placing Riverwood within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Riverwood's growth rate was 1.4% compound annually, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.8% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Riverwood is expected to grow significantly, with an increase of 4,276 persons to 2041, representing a total gain of 35.2% 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 FY21 to FY25, around 177 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, there have been about 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and contributing to population growth. The average expected construction cost of new properties is around $462,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, there have been approximately $4.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverwood shows about 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks around the 38th percentile of areas assessed for construction activity, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially indicating planning constraints. Recent construction in Riverwood comprises approximately 44% standalone homes and 56% townhouses or apartments, favouring compact living options which can attract downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has around 455 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead to the year 2041, Riverwood is expected to grow by approximately 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 future.

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 due to their influence on local infrastructure. These key projects include: "17-21 Pennsylvania Road Residential Development - Riverwood" (scheduled), "Riverwood Community Centre Upgrade" (completed in 2019), "21 Charles St Riverwood & 7-9 Brighton Rd Peakhurst Seniors Housing" (under construction), and "Riverwood Estate Renewal" (planned for completion in 2023). 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.

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

Riverwood has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.2% in June 2024, showing a growth of 1.5% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 5,811 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.0%, higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Riverwood is 46.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Transport, postal & warehousing shows notable 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 ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This compares with Greater Sydney's employment growth of 2.6%, labour force expansion of 2.9%, and unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 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% from financial year ended June 30, 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $55,799 (median) and $73,967 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, 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, which consisted of 3,261 individuals, fell within the $1,500 to $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 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 36.2% houses and 63.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverwood was at 18.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (23.3%) or rented (58.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverwood was $2,100, below Sydney metro's average of $2,466. The median weekly rent in Riverwood was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.2%. 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 14.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.3% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education. Riverwood's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 720 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1033) with balanced educational opportunities. All 4 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 5.9, below the regional average of 11.7, indicating some students may attend schools outside Riverwood trail.

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, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 18 different routes, offering a total of 3,364 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 121 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

Across all routes, there are an average of 480 trips per day, which translates to about 51 weekly trips per 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

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Riverwood residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area, covering about 6,377 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 6.9% and 6.4% of residents respectively. About 73.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.2% across Greater Sydney. There are 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,699 people), which is higher than the 19.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line 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 has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 59.5% of its residents 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. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 7.9% compared to Greater Sydney's average of 5.4%.

The top three ancestry groups in Riverwood are Chinese (30.1%), Other (18.9%), and Australian (9.6%). Notably, Lebanese (4.7%) and Filipino (3.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.2% and 1.9%, respectively, while Maori ethnicity is also 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 national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Riverwood has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort at 11.5%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.5% to 12.7%, and the 65-74 cohort has grown from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased 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 by 935 people (104%), from 895 to 1,831. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow modestly at 7%, adding only 36 residents.