Airds

An assessment of population growth drivers in Airds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Airds statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,619 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 354 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,265 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,457 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and validation of 243 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,520 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The Airds (SA2) experienced a 10.8% growth since the 2021 census, surpassing state and metropolitan area growth rates, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth, with the Airds (SA2) expected to grow by 142 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 2.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Airds when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Airds recorded around 64 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 324 homes. So far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost of new properties was $364,000. In FY-26, $632,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Relative to Greater Sydney, Airds shows 198.0% higher new home approvals per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice. Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 48 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Airds should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, Newbrook Shopping Village Redevelopment, Raith Bradbury Development, and Appin (Part) Precinct - Future Appin Communities. 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 Airds face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Airds has a diverse workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services. The unemployment rate was 17.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,032 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 13.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Airds is significantly lower at 35.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.5 times the regional average share of workers.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force grew by 3.7%, and unemployment decreased by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% over the same period. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Airds had a median taxpayer income of $32,204 and an average income of $36,961 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $35,057 (median) and $40,236 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Airds fell between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of residents (1,071 people) earn between $800 - $1,499, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 42.1% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 72.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Airds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Airds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.0% houses and 18.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airds was at 3.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.1% and rented ones at 79.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,210, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure for Airds was $220, lower than Sydney metro's $380. Nationally, Airds' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,210 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $220 against the national figure of $375.

Airds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 73.3% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 10.4% couples without children, and 31.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.9 people, aligning with the Greater Sydney average.

Airds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (22.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 39.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.8% in primary education, 13.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport in Airds shows 44 active transport stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 19 different routes that collectively provide 1,061 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents typically located 106 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Airds is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

The health data indicates significant issues in Airds, with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages, particularly among older age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 42% of the total population (~1,508 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.4 and 9.2% of residents respectively, while 65.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in Greater Sydney.

Airds has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.8%, with 390 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 14.4%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Airds was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Airds, found in a study to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, had 27.4% of its population born overseas and 29.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Airds, with 46.9% adherents, while Islam was slightly overrepresented at 12.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 12.5%. Regarding ancestry, Australian heritage led at 24.0%, followed by English at 19.8% and Other at 16.6%, lower than the regional average of 21.6%.

Notably, Samoan heritage was overrepresented at 6.3%, compared to the regional 2.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 11.7% (regional: 3.1%), and Lebanese at 2.5% (regional: 1.9%).

Airds hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Airds has a median age of 29, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Airds has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.8%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Airds' population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 15.8% to 16.6%, while the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 9.2% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Airds' age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 39 people (121%), from 32 to 72. This growth is part of a broader trend of demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 61% of the anticipated population growth. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 25-34 age cohorts.