Barden Ridge

Barden Ridge has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the population of Barden Ridge is estimated at around 4,148. This reflects an increase of 19 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,129. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 4,139 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of approximately 740 persons per square kilometer. Since the Census, Barden Ridge's growth rate of 0.5% positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.1%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing around 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. 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 is expected to grow by 92 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 2.0% in total over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Barden Ridge is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Barden Ridge shows approximately 9 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 46 homes were approved, with 2 more approved so far in FY-26. The population decline during this period suggests new supply has kept pace with demand.

Average dwelling value is $847,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Commercial development approvals totaled $1.5 million in FY-26, suggesting minimal commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Barden Ridge records 69% of building activity per person and ranks at the 37th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options but strong demand for established homes. New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium/high-density housing, preserving low density nature.

The area has an estimated 458 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Barden Ridge will gain 83 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current population growth forecasts.

Barden Ridge has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of zero projects that are expected to affect the area. Notable projects include Engadine High School Upgrade, M6 Stage 2, Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line, and Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2050. 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.

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The exceptional employment performance in Barden Ridge places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Barden Ridge's workforce is skilled with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.5% as of December 2025, reflecting a 1.2% employment growth over the past year based on AreaSearch statistics. Residents' unemployment rate stood at 2.7%, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was high at 77.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant 41.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, construction employment is specialized with a share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, finance & insurance has limited presence at 5.4%, compared to 7.3% regionally. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% alongside labour force growth of 1.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and labour force by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barden Ridge's industry mix suggests local employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Barden Ridge, a suburb, has an exceptionally high national income level based on latest Australian Taxation Office data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Barden Ridge is $64,041, with the average income at $84,376. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 respectively. Factoring an 8.86% increase from June 2023 based on Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,715 (median) and $91,852 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Barden Ridge's household incomes rank at the 97th percentile with a weekly income of $3,134. Income analysis shows that 33.5% of the community (1,389 individuals) earn above $4,000 per week, differing from metropolitan patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates at 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners, with 53.2% earning above $3,000 per week, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Barden Ridge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barden Ridge stood at 43.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.6% and rented ones at 5.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,641, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $685, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Barden Ridge's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,641 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 92.1% of all households, including 55.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 7.9%, with lone person households at 7.3% and group households making up 0.7%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Barden Ridge shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 26.8%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.3%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, with 9.2% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Barden Ridge has 30 active public transport stops, all bus services. These stops are served by 31 different routes that together facilitate 598 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes in this residential area are outward-bound and cars remain the dominant mode at 92%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.3, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 41.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 85 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Barden Ridge is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Barden Ridge shows above-average health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 60% of the total population (2498 people) has private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.8% and 7.1% of residents respectively. 71.4% of residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (725 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney but ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Barden Ridge ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barden Ridge, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 84.3% born in Australia and 96.0% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 87.5%. Christianity dominated at 69.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%.

Ancestry showed high percentages for English (27.0%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, Macedonian (1.1%) Maltese (1.4%) and Lebanese (1.2%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 1.0% and 2.6% respectively.

Barden Ridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

Barden Ridge's median age is 41 years, which is notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Barden Ridge has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (14.9%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (7.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 2.9% to 5.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort rose from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 16.6% to 14.9% and the 25 to 34 age group fell from 9.4% to 7.7%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Barden Ridge's age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 179%, adding 126 residents, reaching a total of 197. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 76% of the population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for those aged 15-24 and 25-34.