West Ryde - Meadowbank
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in West Ryde - Meadowbank are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

West Ryde - Meadowbank's population was around 20,102 people as of the 2021 Census. By June 2024, the estimated resident population had increased to 21,827, reflecting a growth of 9.6% since the Census date. This increase is attributed to an additional 274 validated new addresses and overseas migration contributing approximately 82.2% of overall population gains during recent periods. As of Nov 2025, the population is estimated around 22,028, reflecting a further increase from June 2024 figures. The current density ratio stands at 4,598 persons per square kilometer, placing West Ryde - Meadowbank in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth rate exceeds both state (6.7%) and SA4 region averages, marking it as a growth leader.

Projecting forward using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, West Ryde - Meadowbank is expected to increase by 3,456 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall 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 annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 775 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 32 approved so far in FY26. The area has seen an average of 1.3 people moving in per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, recent data shows a higher ratio of 4.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $422,000, which is moderately above regional levels, reflecting an emphasis on quality construction. This year has seen $408.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, West Ryde - Meadowbank shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location has approximately 191 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, West Ryde - Meadowbank is projected to grow by 3,255 residents. 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include apt.Meadowbank Build-to-Rent Precinct, West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility, Sydney Metro West, and Constitution Road Infrastructure Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The labour market in West Ryde - Meadowbank shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

West Ryde - Meadowbank has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 12.0%.

As of June 2025, 14,175 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is higher at 66.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries include professional & technical (employing 38.9% of locals), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Construction employs just 6.7% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 12.0%, and labour force grew by 11.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Ryde - Meadowbank's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

West Ryde - Meadowbank 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 being $80,856. By September 2025, based on a 12.61% increase since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,095 (median) and $82,916 (average). As per the 2021 Census, incomes in West Ryde - Meadowbank cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.8% of residents, similar to regional levels at 30.9%. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, had 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 23.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 47.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, below Sydney metro's $2,600. Median weekly rent in the area was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $460. Nationally, West Ryde - Meadowbank's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. 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 high, with 52.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 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. There are six schools operating within West Ryde - Meadowbank, educating approximately 3,487 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1111). Education provision is balanced with five primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 15.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.2, indicating that West Ryde - Meadowbank serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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 transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. The area is serviced by 34 individual routes that collectively provide 9,152 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 1,307 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 56% (~12,335 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 62.1%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 5.4% and 4.8% respectively. Around 79.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 77.6%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.2% (3,119 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 16.3%. Senior 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% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 54.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in West Ryde-Meadowbank, comprising 46.3% of the population. However, Hinduism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, with 7.2% versus 4.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.3%), Other (15.7%), and English (12.8%). Notably, Korean (6.7%) and Lebanese (2.4%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 3.8% and 1.5%, respectively. Filipino population is also notably higher at 3.2%.

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

At 36 years, West Ryde - Meadowbank's median age is nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, West Ryde - Meadowbank has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (21.0%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.3%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.9% to 11.3%, while the population aged 0 to 4 has declined from 6.0% to 5.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests West Ryde - Meadowbank's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 72%, adding 707 residents to reach 1,683. Senior residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 55% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, the populations aged 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 are expected to decline.