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 an increase of 684 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,606. The change was 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 within 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 rate of 5.5%, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Riverwood is forecasted to experience significant population growth, gaining 4,276 persons by 2041 according to the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 33.9% 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 has recorded approximately 35 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25177 homes were approved, with a further 37 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and facilitating population growth that may surpass current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $357,000. In FY-26, there have been $4.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Comparatively, Riverwood shows around 75% of the construction activity per person relative to Greater Sydney. Nationally, it places at approximately the 38th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Riverwood comprises 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, with a skew towards compact living offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Looking ahead, Riverwood is projected to grow by 4,161 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Riverwood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. These include the residential development at 17-21 Pennsylvania Road in Riverwood, the upgrade of the Riverwood Community Centre, the development at 21 Charles Street also in Riverwood, the seniors housing project at 7-9 Brighton Road in Peakhurst, and the renewal of the Riverwood Estate. 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 has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 8.6% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of September 2025, 5,869 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Sydney's at 4.5%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Riverwood lags behind Greater Sydney's at 46.5% versus 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area has a notably high concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW to 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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. Nationally, the median was $56,994 and the average was $80,856. 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, which consisted of 3,293 individuals, fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This mirrors 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 8th 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 structures, 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 mortgaged dwellings at 23.3% and rented ones at 58.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, below Sydney metro's $2,466. Median weekly rent in Riverwood was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 compared to 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+ with 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 are served by 18 different routes, together facilitating 3,364 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 121 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 480 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts, as indicated by health data.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area, covering around 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 at all, compared to 77.2% across Greater Sydney. In Riverwood, 22.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,725 people), which is higher than the 19.1% in Greater Sydney. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Riverwood 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 67.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 59.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverwood, accounting for 42.6% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, with 7.9% of Riverwood's population identifying as Buddhist.

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%) populations are higher than the regional averages, while Vietnamese (2.8%) is also overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average of 1.1%.

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 present, the population of those aged 15 to 24 increased from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort rose from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased 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 grow by 926 people (102%), expanding from 904 to 1,831 residents. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 6%, adding only 31 residents.