Riverwood

Population growth drivers in Riverwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Riverwood's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 12,290. This figure represents a growth of 684 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,606. The increase 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 locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA4 region at 5.5%. This growth is primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Riverwood is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 4,276 persons to 2041. This reflects a total 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, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, only 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and contributing to population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new properties has been $462,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, there have been $4.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating a limited focus on commercial development in the area compared to residential development. When comparing Riverwood's construction activity to Greater Sydney and national averages, it shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 38th percentile of areas assessed.

This suggests more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing homes in the area. Recent construction in Riverwood comprises 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Riverwood is expected to grow by 4,161 residents through to 2041. 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 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could significantly impact the local area's performance. Notable among these are: the residential development at 17-21 Pennsylvania Road in Riverwood; upgrades to the Riverwood Community Centre; developments at 21 Charles Street in Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Road in Peakhurst, both involving seniors housing; and the Riverwood Estate Renewal project. The following list provides more details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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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% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

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 lags at 46.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels 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 12 months 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 comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment stands at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Riverwood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,551. The average income stood at $65,684. This was approximately average nationally 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 7th and 13th 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 8th percentile.

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

In Riverwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 36.2% of dwellings were houses while 63.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas where 52.1% of dwellings are houses and 47.9% are other types. Home ownership in Riverwood stood at 18.7%, lower than the Sydney metro average, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 23.3% and rented ones making up 58.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverwood was $2,100, significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 but below the Sydney metro average of $2,466. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Riverwood was $300, substantially lower than both the Sydney metro average of $440 and the national average 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.

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, which together facilitate 3,364 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in Riverwood is rated excellent with residents on average located just 121 meters from their nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 480 trips across all routes, translating to roughly 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 relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (6,439 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.9%) and diabetes (6.4%). A total of 73% of residents 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% (2,725 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 19.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring 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 67.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverwood, comprising 42.6%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 7.9% of Riverwood's population versus 5.4% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (30.1%), Other (18.9%), and Australian (9.6%). Notably, Lebanese (4.7%) and Filipino (3.5%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.2% and 1.9%, respectively. Vietnamese population is also higher at 2.8% versus the regional average of 1.1%.

Riverwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Riverwood has a median age of 40, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 37 and Australia's 38 years. Locally, those aged 65-74 are notably over-represented at 11.5%, while individuals aged 5-14 are under-represented at 8.7%. Between 2021 and the present, the population of those aged 15 to 24 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 projections suggest significant changes in Riverwood's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to surge dramatically, expanding by 926 people (102%) from 904 to 1,831. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. The 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 6%, adding only 31 residents.