Ashbury

Ashbury is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Ashbury is around 3,511, showing an increase of 158 people since the 2021 Census. This growth reflects a resident population estimate of 3,468 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is 3,408 persons per square kilometer, placing Ashbury in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2016 to 2026, Ashbury has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. The primary driver for population growth in recent periods was overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Ashbury is expected to increase its population by 414 persons to reach a total of 3,925 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 10.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Ashbury, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ashbury shows around 11 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 55 homes. So far in FY26, one approval has been recorded. This results in approximately 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 34.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $389,000.

This year, there have also been $152,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ashbury has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 8th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 8.0% detached dwellings and 92.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 91.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 2295 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Ashbury is expected to grow by 376 residents through to 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and providing good conditions for buyers while potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Ashbury 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 four projects likely to affect this region. Major initiatives include Cardinal Freeman Final Release Development - Wattle Building, Canterbury Local Centre Redevelopment, NSW School Infrastructure Program - Inner West, and Sydney Metro City & Southwest.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Ashbury ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Ashbury has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment stability was relatively high.

In comparison to Greater Sydney's unemployment rate of 4.2%, Ashbury's was 1.5% lower. Workforce participation stood at 65.1%, slightly below Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Home workership was high at 63.1%, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries in Ashbury include education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

The area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Retail trade is under-represented at 5.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 9.3%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force increased by 0.4% while employment declined by 0.2%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point 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 Ashbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Ashbury had a median taxpayer income of $52,420 and an average income of $68,498 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income being $83,003. By September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% would be approximately $57,064 (median) and $74,567 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank at the 91st percentile ($2,571 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 65th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 29.6% of locals (1,039 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 range dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 43.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Ashbury is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Ashbury's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashbury was at 50.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 12.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,817, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Ashbury was $600, higher than Sydney's $470. Nationally, Ashbury's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ashbury features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 83.0% of all households, including 46.1% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.0%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Ashbury exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 36.4%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 49.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 27.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 16.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ashbury has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 672 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 181 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to the area's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 81% of residents, while 8% use trains. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 63.1%, work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ashbury's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Ashbury's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, particularly among younger cohorts.

Approximately 54% of Ashbury's total population (~1,896 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions in Ashbury are arthritis (7.1%) and asthma (6.6%). A majority, 72%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Ashbury has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5% (719 people), versus Greater Sydney's 15.4%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Ashbury 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

Ashbury has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.6% of its population born overseas and 36.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Ashbury is Christianity, which accounts for 67.3% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups in Ashbury are Australian (17.1%), English (15.5%), and Italian (12.9%), with Italians being significantly more represented than the regional average of 3.4%.

There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, including Greeks at 8.0% (regional average: 1.9%), Spanish at 1.3% (regional average: 0.6%), and Lebanese at 5.7% (regional average: 2.6%).

Ashbury hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Ashbury's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 14.3% of Ashbury's population, higher than Greater Sydney's, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.3%, less prevalent compared to Greater Sydney. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.4% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant shifts in Ashbury's age profile. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 356 from 245. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 65% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.