Belfield

An assessment of population growth drivers in Belfield reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Belfield's population is estimated at around 7,234 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 679 people (10.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,555 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,223 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 609 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,064 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Belfield's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.2%) and SA4 region since the 2021 Census, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. These projections indicate a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation for Belfield, with an expected growth of 837 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.4% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Belfield according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Belfield averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 161 homes. As of FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.9. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $572,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $1.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Belfield records 70.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently. New building activity comprises approximately 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% attached dwellings. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant departure from the current housing pattern of 67.0% houses.

With around 278 people per dwelling approval, Belfield indicates a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Belfield is projected to add 826 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Belfield 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 nine projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Belmore Sydney Metro Station Upgrade, The Balfour, Belfield, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Centre of Excellence, and 8-14 Bale Street, Belfield (Meriton). Below is a list detailing 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Belfield well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Belfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 7.9%.

As of December 2025, 3,740 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 64.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high 42.9% of residents worked from home according to Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Belfield showed strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Professional & technical services were under-represented at 6.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 7.9% and labour force grew by 7.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Belfield suburb had median taxpayer income of $47,294 and average income of $60,482. These figures are below national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively across Greater Sydney. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,175 (median) and $66,724 (average). Based on 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at 48th percentile ($1,727 weekly), while personal income is at 23rd percentile. Income distribution shows 30.0% of population (2,170 individuals) falls within $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.7% of income remaining, ranking at 44th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 6th decile.

Belfield displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Belfield, as per the latest Census, consists of 66.9% houses and 33.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro has 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belfield stands at 32.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,500, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Belfield is $460, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Belfield's mortgage repayments are significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Belfield has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.2% of all households, including 40.0% couples with children, 20.2% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Belfield performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 26.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are common, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (17.3%). Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 5.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Belfield has 41 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 15 different routes, offering a total of 1,241 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 154 meters. Belfield, being mainly residential, sees most commuters traveling outwards. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 83%, with trains used by 10%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 42.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 177 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Belfield's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though slightly higher across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Belfield. AreaSearch's assessment found mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence to be low among the general population.

However, prevalence was slightly higher among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,680 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and diabetes, impacting 6.5% and 5.9% of residents respectively. 75.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Belfield has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,316 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Belfield has high cultural diversity, with 40.0% of its population born overseas and 55.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Belfield, making up 68.1%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top ancestry groups are Lebanese (16.5%), Other (14.6%), and Australian (12.1%).

Notably, Korean (3.9%) and Italian (11.0%) groups are overrepresented in Belfield compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 3.4%, respectively. Greek representation is also higher at 6.2%.

Belfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Belfield has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort makes up 12.9% of Belfield's population, compared to the Greater Sydney average, indicating an over-representation in this age group. Conversely, those aged 25-34 make up only 11.4%, suggesting under-representation. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 12.3% to 13.6%. However, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Belfield's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 261 people (56%), increasing from 462 to 724 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 61% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.