West Ryde - Meadowbank

Population growth drivers in West Ryde - Meadowbank are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

West Ryde - Meadowbank's population was around 20,102 people as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, this had increased to approximately 22,028 people, reflecting a rise of 1,926 individuals (9.6%) since the Census date. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,827 reported by the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 274 validated new addresses since then. The population density ratio was 4,598 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth exceeded both the state's (6.7%) and SA4 region's averages, marking West Ryde - Meadowbank as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year were used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected, with the area projected to increase by 3,456 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions West Ryde - Meadowbank among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

West Ryde-Meadowbank has averaged approximately 155 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 775 homes were approved, with an additional 40 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this ratio has intensified to 4.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $422,000, which is moderately above regional levels, reflecting a focus on quality construction. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $408.3 million, demonstrating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, West Ryde-Meadowbank shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 81st percentile of areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The area has approximately 191 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, West Ryde-Meadowbank is expected to grow by 3,255 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

West Ryde - Meadowbank has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 41 projects likely to affect the area. Major projects include apt.Meadowbank Build-to-Rent Precinct, 741-747 Victoria Road Mixed Use, West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility, and Sydney Metro West. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in West Ryde - Meadowbank demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

West Ryde - Meadowbank has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, showing a 10.8% employment growth.

As of September 2025, 14,337 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 66.4%. Leading industries include professional & technical (1.3 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Construction employs 6.7% locally, lower than Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by Census data. Over a year, employment increased by 10.8%, labour force by 9.7%, reducing unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. Comparatively, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose slightly. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sector. Applying these projections to West Ryde - Meadowbank's mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The West Ryde - Meadowbank SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,918 and an average of $73,631 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $56,994 and average income $80,856. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,095 (median) and $82,916 (average), based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Incomes in West Ryde - Meadowbank cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally, according to the 2021 Census. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 33.8% of residents (7,445 people), similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

West Ryde-Meadowbank's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 32.3% houses and 67.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 42.9% houses and 57.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Ryde-Meadowbank was at 23.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 47.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, below Sydney metro's average of $2,600. The median weekly rent figure was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $460. Nationally, West Ryde-Meadowbank's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

West Ryde - Meadowbank features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.5% of all households, including 29.7% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households making up 4.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in West Ryde - Meadowbank places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in West Ryde - Meadowbank is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 52.3% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas making up 11.1% and certificates 11.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 7.6% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

West Ryde - Meadowbank has 95 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 34 individual routes that collectively facilitate 9,152 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located within 150 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,307 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per stop.

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

West Ryde - Meadowbank shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~12,335 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 62.1%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 5.4% and 4.8% respectively. 79.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 77.6% in Greater Sydney. The area has 14.2% (3,119 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 16.3%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

West Ryde - Meadowbank 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 Ryde-Meadowbank has a high level of cultural diversity, with 55.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in West Ryde-Meadowbank, making up 46.3%. Hinduism stands out as overrepresented at 7.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.3%), Other (15.7%), and English (12.8%). Notably, Korean is overrepresented at 6.7% versus the regional average of 3.8%, Lebanese at 2.4% versus 1.5%, and Filipino at 3.2% versus 2.1%.

West Ryde - Meadowbank's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

West Ryde - Meadowbank's median age at 36 years is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, West Ryde - Meadowbank has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 9.9% to 11.3%, while the proportion of those aged 0-4 has decreased from 6.0% to 5.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in West Ryde - Meadowbank's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 72%, adding 707 residents to reach a total of 1,683. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 55% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.