Surry Hills

Surry Hills is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Surry Hills's population is around 17,194 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,366 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,828 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,099 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 13,025 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. Surry Hills's 8.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 99.3% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,694 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Surry Hills is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Surry Hills has averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 40 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $121,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $178.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Surry Hills has significantly less development activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Looking ahead, Surry Hills is expected to grow by 2,599 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Surry Hills has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 63 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sydney Jewish Museum Redevelopment, Marlborough House Redevelopment, The Post House, and Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet), 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.

Employment performance in Surry Hills has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Surry Hills possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,329 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 63.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 3.3% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. With 2.0 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3% alongside a 0.3% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Surry Hills. 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 Surry Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Surry Hills SA2's median income among taxpayers is $72,371, with an average of $110,107. This is among the top percentile nationally, and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $78,783 (median) and $119,862 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Surry Hills, between the 83rd and 97th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 29.2% of locals (5,020 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Economic strength emerges through 39.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 21.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 75th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Surry Hills, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 1.1% houses and 98.9% 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 Surry Hills lagged that of Sydney metro, at 14.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.9%) or rented (67.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,839, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Surry Hills's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Surry Hills features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 40.9% of all households, comprising 7.4% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 3.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 59.1%, with lone person households at 46.8% and group households comprising 12.2% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Surry Hills shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Surry Hills significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 62.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 41.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (8.3%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.9% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 47 active transport stops operating within Surry Hills, comprising a mix of train, light rail, and buses. These stops are serviced by 28 individual routes, collectively providing 23,681 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 114 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; walking is notably common at 31%, with 18% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 63.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3,383 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 503 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Surry Hills is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Surry Hills faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 75% of the total population (12,947 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 mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.1% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 74.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,786 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Surry Hills scores highly on cultural diversity, with 27.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. The main religion in Surry Hills is Christianity, which makes up 28.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.3% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Surry Hills are English, comprising 22.8% of the population, Other, comprising 15.1% of the population, and Australian, comprising 14.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Surry Hills (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.2% (vs 0.6%) and Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Surry Hills's population is younger than the national pattern

Surry Hills's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 31.4% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 2.9%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 32.6% to 31.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Surry Hills. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 717 people (36%) from 1,997 to 2,715. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 4% (17 people).