Auburn (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the Auburn (NSW) statistical area's population is estimated at around 44,170 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 4,837 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 39,333 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 43,045 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 589 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,160 persons per square kilometer, placing Auburn (NSW) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Auburn's 12.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's 7.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 82.0% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for Auburn (NSW), with an expected expansion of 11,675 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Auburn recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Auburn shows around 227 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,135 homes were approved, with a further 45 approved so far in FY-26. On average, only 1 person has moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $369,000. In FY-26, Auburn has recorded $108.9 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Auburn shows 58% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 32nd percentile nationally for buyer options. New building activity comprises 41.0% standalone homes and 59.0% medium and high-density housing.

Auburn has approximately 524 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with affordable entry pathways attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Population forecasts indicate Auburn will gain 10,580 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 58 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Concourse at Lidcombe - DOOLEYS Regeneration Project, Central Lidcombe Multi-Storey Warehouse, North Village Auburn Square Stage 2, and Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program Auburn. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 Auburn faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Auburn has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 6.7%, with estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year (AreaSearch).

As of September 2025, Auburn's unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Greater Sydney's at 4.2%. Workforce participation in Auburn lags at 46.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with notable concentration in the latter (1.8 times regional average). Professional & technical services are under-represented, comprising only 5.7% of Auburn's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force by 3.7%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment (AreaSearch). In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2%. State-level data from NSW to 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Auburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30th, 2023, Auburn had a median income among taxpayers of $35,864 and an average income of $44,273. This was lower than the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 for Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 30th, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $39,042 (median) and $48,196 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows individual incomes at the 9th percentile ($580 weekly), while household income is at the 37th percentile. The largest segment comprises 32.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (14,399 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 78.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

Auburn features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Auburn's residential structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 42.2% houses and 57.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's figures of 33.5% houses and 66.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Auburn stood at 22.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.7% and rented dwellings at 52.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Auburn was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Auburn's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Auburn features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.0% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 16.6% and group households making up 11.4%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Auburn aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Auburn trail regional benchmarks, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 39.9% in SA3 area. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 9.8%. Educational participation is high, with 38.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.5% in tertiary education, 9.3% in primary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in tertiary education, 9.3% in primary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Auburn found that there are currently 186 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of train and bus services. The city is serviced by 31 individual routes in total, which collectively provide 5,751 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 126 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 821 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Auburn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows outstanding results in Auburn with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~19,673 people), compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 4.8 and 3.9% of residents respectively.

A total of 84.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 83.5% across Greater Sydney. The area has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,770 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Auburn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Auburn's population is predominantly culturally diverse, with 69.7% born overseas and 86.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The majority religion in Auburn is Islam, practiced by 42.6%, compared to 23.4% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (45.2%), Chinese (21.7%), and Lebanese (6.2%).

Notably, Korean (1.5%) and Indian (6.1%) populations are higher than regional averages, while Vietnamese is lower at 1.4%.

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

Auburn's median age is 31 years, which is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Auburn has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (23.9%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of Auburn's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 22.9% to 23.9%, while the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 10.2% to 9.1%. Demographic projections suggest that Auburn's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to grow steadily, adding 1,683 people (a 42% increase) from 4,019 to 5,703.