Roselands

Roselands has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Roselands's population is around 15,603 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,026 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,577 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,135 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,274 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Roselands's 7.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 67.5% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,272 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Roselands when compared nationally

Roselands has recorded around 81 residential properties granted approval annually, with 408 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 27 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1 new resident per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data shows this has intensified to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average value of $274,000 — below the regional average — suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $18.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Roselands records 99.0% more construction activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New development consists of 42.0% detached dwellings and 58.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 64.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 280 people per approval, Roselands reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Roselands is expected to grow by 804 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Roselands has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 71-83 Graham Road Residential Development - Narwee, 280-300 Lakemba Street Wiley Park Plaza Development, Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line, and Punchbowl Station Upgrade - Sydney Metro City & Southwest, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Roselands has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Roselands features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and 5.2% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,719 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (65.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 41.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 8.1% of Roselands's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.2% while the labour force increased by 5.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Roselands. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Roselands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Roselands SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $45,905 and an average of $56,227 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,972 (median) and $61,209 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 47th percentile ($1,704 weekly), while personal income sits at the 22nd percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.4% of the community (5,055 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.9% in the category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Roselands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Roselands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.5% houses and 36.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Roselands was 33.1%, which is higher than that of Sydney metro, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (30.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Sydney metro average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $425, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Roselands's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Roselands has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.8% of all households, comprising 42.3% couples with children, 19.3% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (26.9%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (18.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 111 active transport stops operating within Roselands, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 3,013 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 124 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 41.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 430 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Roselands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Roselands, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is approximately 48% of the total population (~7,411 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.1% and 5.2% of residents, respectively, while 76.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,716 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Roselands scores highly on cultural diversity, with 41.2% of its population born overseas and 61.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Roselands is Christianity, which makes up 56.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 22.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Roselands are Other, comprising 21.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%, Greek, comprising 12.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.9%, and Lebanese, comprising 12.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Roselands (vs 0.4% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.9% (vs 1.8%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Roselands's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Roselands is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Roselands has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (12.2%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 13.9% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, Roselands is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 39% (372 people), reaching 1,337 from 964. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 64% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts.