Airds

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Airds is around 3,582, reflecting a growth of 317 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 9.7% change from the previous population count of 3,265 people. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and accounting for an additional 83 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,505 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 9.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's growth rate of 7.8% and that of Greater Sydney, positioning Airds as a growth leader in the region. Natural population growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to grow by 163 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 1.0% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Airds averaged around 63 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling approximately 316 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.2 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during this period. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, presenting more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $364,000. In FY-26, there have been $632,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Airds has 192.0% more building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Airds' suburban character while providing options for space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 49 people per dwelling approval in the location, suggesting an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Airds is projected to gain 35 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Airds has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives include Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, Newbrook Shopping Village Redevelopment, Raith Bradbury Development, and Appin (Part) Precinct - Future Appin Communities. The following list outlines 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 both white and blue collar jobs, prominent in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 16.6% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year. This is higher than Greater Sydney's unemployment rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Airds is lower at 50.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing sectors. The area has a notable specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 4.6% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, while labour force grew by 5.9%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national 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 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Airds had a lower median income among taxpayers of $32,204 and an average income of $36,961 in the financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Airds would be approximately $35,057 (median) and $40,236 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Airds all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. In Airds, 29.6% of the population earn within the $800 - $1,499 income range, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (42.1% earning under $800 per week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of Airds. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Airds, 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

In Airds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure, which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airds stood 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, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Airds was $220, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Airds' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,210 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $220 compared to the national figure of $375.

Airds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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%, with 15.8% in primary education, 13.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 indicates 44 active transport stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 1,061 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 106 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 78%, with 13% by train and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Airds is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Airds faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 42% of the total population (around 1,492 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 10.4% and 9.2% of residents respectively. About 65.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age adults face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 11.5% of residents aged 65 and over (411 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely aligning with national rankings for the general 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 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, comprising 46.9% of the population. Islam is significantly overrepresented, making up 12.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the top group, comprising 24.0%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English and Other groups comprise 19.8% and 16.6% respectively. Notably, Samoan (6.3%), Australian Aboriginal (11.7%), and Lebanese (2.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Airds compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 1.3%, and 2.6% respectively.

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

Airds has a median age of 29, which is lower than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Airds has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.9%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.4%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Airds' population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 2.9% to 4.1%, while the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 14.1% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Airds' age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 47 people (132%), from 35 to 83. This growth will contribute to an increase in the proportion of residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 60% of Airds' population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 15-24 and 25-34.