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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Auburn's estimated population as of Feb 2026 is around 44,186. This reflects a growth of 4,853 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 39,333. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 43,045 residents following examination of ABS' June 2024 ERP data release and an additional 596 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5,161 persons per square kilometer, placing Auburn in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. Auburn's growth rate of 12.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections where ABS data is not available, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future projections anticipate significant population increase in Auburn, forecasting an addition of 11,663 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.8% 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, allocated from statistical area data, 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 so far, 46 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating new construction matched or outpaced demand. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $369,000.

This year, Auburn has seen $108.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting 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, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice favouring existing dwellings. New development consists of 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% townhouses or apartments, catering to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Auburn indicates a mature market with around 524 people per approval.

Future projections estimate Auburn will add 10,522 residents by 2041, supported by current development well-matched to future needs, maintaining steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Auburn 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 has identified 58 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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.

Auburn shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Auburn's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%. As of December 2025, 20,788 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation lagged at 62.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 20.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in the latter at 1.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment was limited at 5.7%, compared to 11.5% regionally.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, while the labour force grew by an equal percentage, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and unemployment increase marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Auburn suburb's income level is below national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Auburn's median income among taxpayers is $35,864, average income stands at $44,273. Greater Sydney's figures are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 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), household income at the 37th percentile. Income distribution: 32.6% (14,404 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with surrounding region's 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures 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

In Auburn, as per the latest Census evaluation, 42.2% of dwellings were houses while 57.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's dwelling structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Auburn stood at 22.9%, lower than Sydney metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (24.7%) or rented (52.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Auburn was $2,000, below the Sydney metro 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 comprise 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 constitute 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, 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

Auburn Trail has 31.3% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to 39.9% in the SA3 area. This difference indicates potential for educational growth and skill development. 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 and above, 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 commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 50%, followed by train at 35% and bus at 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. Based on AreaSearch's assessment, mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was found to be extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 19,680 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and arthritis were the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 4.8 and 3.9% of residents respectively. A total of 84.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 5,037 people), which is 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 has a population where 69.7% were born overseas, with 86.5% speaking languages other than English at home. The predominant religion in Auburn is Islam, comprising 42.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (45.2%), Chinese (21.7%), and Lebanese (6.2%), all higher than regional averages.

Notably, Korean (1.5%) and Indian (6.1%) populations in Auburn exceed their respective regional percentages of 1.1% and 3.6%.

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 proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 23.3%, but fewer residents aged 45-54 at 9.2%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 5.8% to 6.6%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.2% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Auburn's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, expanding by 1,639 people (40%) from 4,065 to 5,705 residents.