Bankstown

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, the Bankstown statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 37,583 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 2,650 people (7.6%) from the 2021 Census figure of 34,933 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 36,954 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 5,918 persons per square kilometer, placing Bankstown (SA2) within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This high density indicates a highly-sought resource for land in the area. The growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 7.5%, positioning Bankstown as a growth leader within its region.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area. AreaSearch adopts 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase, with the Bankstown (SA2) expected to grow by 13,206 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 33.6% over these 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bankstown among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Bankstown has recorded approximately 98 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 493 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.3 people move to the area for each dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $384,000.

This financial year has seen $264.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Building activity shows 36.0% standalone homes and 64.0% medium to high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for various buyers. Bankstown currently has around 360 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections estimate Bankstown will add 12,623 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Bankstown Exchange (Stage 1 - Bankstown Central Masterplan), New Bankstown Hospital, Compass Centre Redevelopment, and Bankstown CBD Transformation. The following list details projects likely 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 Bankstown faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Bankstown has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 9.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of September 2025, 16,388 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Sydney's at 5.4%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags at 46.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing has a particularly high employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 7.5% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force grew by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and a smaller rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted slightly at 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Bankstown's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

Bankstown's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $39,890. The average income stood at $50,066 during the same period. For Greater Sydney, these figures were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Bankstown as of September 2025 is approximately $43,424, with the average being around $54,502. Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 22nd percentile ($1,331 weekly), while personal income sits at the 6th percentile. Income distribution shows that 30.9% of residents (11,613 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bankstown, with only 76.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

Bankstown features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a predominantly rental market

Bankstown's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 30.1% houses and 70.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Bankstown stood at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 25.5% and rented ones at 52.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, and the median weekly rent was $400. Nationally, Bankstown's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Bankstown features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.9 people

Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 37.7% that are couples with children, 18.1% that are couples without children, and 15.9% that consist of single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people.

Bankstown shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Bankstown trail's residents aged 15+ have university degrees at 30.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common (20.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 13.4%. Educational participation is high, with 34.9% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.3%), secondary (7.8%), and tertiary (7.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bankstown has 181 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 57 different routes, which together facilitate 12,055 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 135 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 1,722 trips across all routes, translating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Bankstown, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 47% of Bankstown's total population (~17,588 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes and arthritis, affecting 5.2% and 5.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 79.7%, report being free from medical ailments, contrasting with Greater Sydney's figure of 0%. Bankstown has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 13.6% (5,111 people), which requires more healthcare attention than the broader population despite having above-average health outcomes.

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

Bankstown has a population where 61.1% were born overseas, with 80.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Islam is the predominant religion in Bankstown, accounting for 34.4%, compared to none across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Other (28.8%), Vietnamese (18.0%), and Lebanese (11.4%).

Notably, Macedonian (2.0%) and Samoan (0.7%) are overrepresented in Bankstown compared to the regional average of none for both groups. Additionally, Chinese representation is higher at 10.5% in Bankstown than regionally where it is none.

Bankstown hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Bankstown's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bankstown has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 65-74 has increased from 6.9% to 8.0%, while the 55-64 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 10.1%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Bankstown. The 55-64 age cohort is expected to grow by 50%, adding 1,882 residents to reach a total of 5,678.