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 analysis of ABS population updates for Airds and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 3,632 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 367 people (11.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,265 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,622, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 243 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,526 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Airds's 11.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%), along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. As future population trends are examined, lower quartile growth of statistical areas across the nation is anticipated, with the suburb expected to grow by 139 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 3.3% 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 shows Airds recorded around 67 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 338 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling was observed. New construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.

The average value of new properties constructed is $364,000, under regional levels, indicating accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year, $2.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Airds shows 211.0% higher new home approvals per person, potentially providing buyers with ample choice and indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 48 people per dwelling approval, suggesting 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 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area's performance. Key projects include Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, Raith Bradbury Development, Appin (Part) Precinct - Future Appin Communities, and Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre Upgrades. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Airds faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Airds has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 17.1% as of June 2025, showing room for improvement compared to Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. As of June 2025, 1,034 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 12.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate, indicating a significant lag in workforce participation (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. Airds has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 4.6% employment compared to 11.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data shows median taxpayer income in Airds was $32,204 and average income was $36,961 during financial year 2022. Nationally, the median was $56,994 and the average was $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income in Airds will be approximately $36,265 and average income will be around $41,622, based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Airds fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. The $800 - 1,499 income bracket dominates with 29.6% of residents, unlike Greater Sydney where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 30.9%. A significant portion of the community faces economic challenges, with 42.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 72.3% of income remaining, 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

In Airds, as recorded in the latest Census, 82.0% of dwellings were houses with 18.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is compared to Sydney metro's figures of 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airds stood at 3.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 17.1% and rented ones accounting for 79.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,210, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,100. Weekly rent in Airds was $220, lower than Sydney metro's $380. Nationally, Airds' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,210 compared to Australia's 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 constitute 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 account for 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, which aligns 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is high at 39.0%, comprising primary education (15.8%), secondary education (13.1%), and tertiary education (2.5%).

Airds's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,056 students, with varied educational conditions indicated by an ICSEA score of 879. Education provision is balanced, serving distinct age groups with three primary and two secondary schools. The area functions as an education hub with 29.1 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Airds shows 37 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,043 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 106 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 149 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 28 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

Airds faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average. This is particularly true for older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 42% of the total population (around 1,513 people), which is lower than Greater Sydney's 49.3% and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 10.4% and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 65.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.3%. Airds has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.8%, with around 392 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 14.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Airds was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Airds has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and 29.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Airds, making up 46.9% of the population. Islam is notably overrepresented in Airds compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 12.7% versus 12.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (24.0%), English (19.8%), and Other (16.6%), which is lower than the regional average of 21.6%. Some ethnic groups have significant representation in Airds compared to the region: Samoan at 6.3% versus 2.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 11.7% versus 3.1%, and Lebanese at 2.5% versus 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 substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Airds has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.8%). This 5-14 concentration is well above the national figure of 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.9% to 3.7% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 8.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Airds's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 38 people (117%) from 32 to 71. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 62% of anticipated growth. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts.