West Pennant Hills
Statistical Area - sa2

West Pennant 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

West Pennant Hills' population, as of August 2025, is approximately 12,551. This figure represents a decrease of 132 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,683. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 12,514 in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,602 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses 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. According to population projections, West Pennant Hills is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas by 2041, with an expected expansion of 1,241 persons, representing a total gain of 9.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within West Pennant Hills when compared nationally

West Pennant Hills has received approximately 85 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25427 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved in FY26 as of now. Despite a declining population in recent years, this development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $719,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY26, there have been $50,000 in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Comparatively, West Pennant Hills has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Greater Sydney. Nationally, it ranks among the 93rd percentile for areas assessed, although there has been an increase in development activity recently. The composition of new developments is 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 92.0% houses.

This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With approximately 81 people per dwelling approval, West Pennant Hills exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Future projections indicate that West Pennant Hills will add around 1,203 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

West Pennant Hills has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Pennant Hills Road and North Rocks Road Intersection Upgrade, the development at 154-158 Castle Hill Road Cherrybrook, Highforest by Mirvac, and the Regis Carlingford Aged Care Facility. The following list details those projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in West Pennant Hills ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

West Pennant Hills has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. As of June 2025, 7,100 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 62.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors included professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance.

The area had a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food showed lower representation at 3.3% versus the regional average of 5.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment rose by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within West Pennant Hills. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, with local growth estimated at approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. West Pennant Hills' median taxpayer income was $60,238 with an average of $99,644. This places it in the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,834 (median) and $112,209 (average). The 2021 Census ranked household incomes at the 98th percentile ($3,217 weekly). The earnings profile shows that 40.4% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly (5,070 people), unlike regional trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 53.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

West Pennant Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in West Pennant Hills, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 78.2% houses and 21.8% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in West Pennant Hills was at 47.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.4%) or rented (11.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,033, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $700 compared to Sydney metro's $580. Nationally, West Pennant Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

West Pennant Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 89.8% of all households, including 54.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 10.2%, with lone person households at 9.5% and group households making up 0.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 3.0.

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

Educational attainment in West Pennant Hills is notably higher than national and state averages. 50.1% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 11.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 7.7% pursuing tertiary education. Hills Montessori School serves West Pennant Hills, with an enrollment of 16 students as of a recent report. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1127). There is one school focusing exclusively on primary education in the area, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited, with only 0.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 122 active transport stops in West Pennant Hills, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 88 individual routes, facilitating a total of 5989 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 156 metres from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 855 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 49 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in West Pennant Hills, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (8911 people), compared to 63.7% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.2 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 74.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.9% in Greater Sydney.

The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3037 people), higher than the 18.9% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

West Pennant 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

West Pennant Hills has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in West Pennant Hills, making up 52.8% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 6.0% versus 8.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.5%), English (17.6%), and Australian (15.1%). Korean (2.1%) and Lebanese (1.9%) are notably more represented than the regional averages of 2.3% and 1.6%, respectively, while Sri Lankan representation is equal at 1.0%.

West Pennant Hills hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in West Pennant Hills is 44, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 14.4% of the population in West Pennant Hills, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Sydney. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 7.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.8% to 13.8%. The 25 to 34 group has also dropped from 8.2% to 7.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in West Pennant Hills' age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 244%, reaching 890 people from 258. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 77% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.