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

As of Feb 2026, Auburn's population is estimated at around 44,186, reflecting an increase of 4,853 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 12.3% rise from the previous population figure of 39,333 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 43,045 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 596 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 5,161 persons per square kilometer, placing Auburn within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney averages during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for covered areas. For uncovers areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Auburn is forecasted to increase its population by 11,675 persons, reflecting a total increase of 23.9% over the 17-year period.

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 shows Auburn recorded around 227 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,135 homes. As of FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person moves to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This matches or outpaces demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth.

The average construction value of new homes is $369,000. In FY-26, Auburn has seen $108.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Auburn has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice for existing dwellings. New development consists of 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% townhouses or apartments, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

Auburn indicates a mature market with around 524 people per approval. Future projections estimate Auburn will add 10,563 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth despite increasing competition among buyers as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 58 projects likely to influence 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 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.

The labour market performance in Auburn lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Auburn's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 20,601 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation lagged at 62.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 20.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in the latter, being 1.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment was limited at 5.7%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% and labour force grew by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force increase by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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.

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

Auburn's median income among taxpayers was $35,864 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $44,273 during the same period. Greater Sydney's figures were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% indicate median and average incomes would be approximately $39,042 and $48,196 respectively. Census data shows individual incomes at the 9th percentile ($580 weekly), while household income is at the 37th percentile. In Auburn, 32.6% of individuals (14,404) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region's 30.9%. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Auburn's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 42.2% houses and 57.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Auburn was at 22.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.7%) or rented (52.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Auburn was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Auburn was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Auburn's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.0% of all households, including 37.5% that are couples with children, 21.4% that are couples without children, and 10.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 16.6% and group households comprising 11.4%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 the SA3 area's 39.9%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common 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. 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

Auburn has 190 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,751 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 126 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using cars (50%), followed by trains (35%) and buses (8%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 20.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 821 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Auburn's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Auburn. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~19,680 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were diabetes (4.8%) and arthritis (3.9%). 84.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Auburn has 11.3% of residents aged 65 and over (4,993 people), lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 born overseas, with 69.7%. At home, 86.5% speak a language other than English. Islam is the primary religion in Auburn, comprising 42.6%, higher than Greater Sydney's 6.8%.

The top three ancestral groups are Other at 45.2%, Chinese at 21.7%, and Lebanese at 6.2%, all exceeding regional averages of 16.0%, 8.4%, and 3.9% respectively. Notably, Korean (1.5%), Indian (6.1%), and Vietnamese (1.4%) groups are also overrepresented compared to regional figures of 1.1%, 3.6%, and 1.8%.

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

Auburn's median age is 31, 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 (23.4%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Auburn's population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 5.8% to 6.5%, while the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 10.2% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates that Auburn's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents in the 45-54 age group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 1,683 people (42%) from 4,020 to 5,704.