Berala

Berala is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Berala is around 9,060, reflecting an increase of 303 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 3.5%. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of ABS data releases up to June 2025 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,253 persons per square kilometer, placing Berala within the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Berala are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for areas covered by this data. For areas not covered, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest that Berala will experience population growth just below the national median. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 773 persons by the year 2041, reflecting an overall gain of approximately 8.4% over this 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Berala, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Berala had approximately 28 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 140 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $475,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment.

In this financial year, $4.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Berala's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Berala has significantly less development activity (66.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving Berala's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (61.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Berala displays characteristics of a low-density area. Future projections estimate Berala will add approximately 758 residents by 2041, with current construction levels likely meeting housing supply demands and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Aura by Crown Group, Lidcombe Town Centre Public Domain Plan, Lidcombe Infrastructure Upgrade, and The Concourse at Lidcombe. Below is a list of 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 assessment indicates Berala faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Berala's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 4,377 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Greater Sydney's at 2.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 60.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A significant portion, 31.6% of residents, worked from home, which may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 3.1%, while the labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Berala's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Berala had a median income among taxpayers of $42,262 with an average level of $53,625. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,623 (median) and $59,159 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, individual incomes lag at the 11th percentile ($595 weekly), while household income performs better at the 38th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 32.3% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile.

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

In Berala, as per the latest Census, 61.1% of dwellings were houses while 38.9% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of housing. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Berala's home ownership rate was higher than Sydney metro at 33.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.9%) or rented (41.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Berala was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent median in Berala was recorded at $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Berala's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.3% of all households, including 37.6% couples with children, 20.8% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Berala fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 27.6%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 39.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational pathways account for 23.1% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 13.4%. Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.3% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Berala has 55 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 20 different routes, facilitating 4,113 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 116 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 73%, while trains account for 19%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 587 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 74 weekly trips per individual stop.

Berala's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Berala's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 48% (~4,366 people) of Berala's total population have private health cover, which is lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Berala, affecting 5.4% and 4.7% of residents respectively. A higher proportion of residents, 80.2%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Berala has a larger elderly population with 16.5% (1,494 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Berala are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Berala has one of the highest cultural diversities in the country, with 62.3% of its population born overseas and 77.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berala, comprising 36.2% of the population. Buddhism, however, is significantly overrepresented at 13.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese people make up 34.6% of Berala's population, which is notably higher than the regional average of 8.4%. The Other category comprises 20.5%, and English ancestry makes up 7.6%, significantly lower than the regional average of 19.0%. There are notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Croatian at 2.8% (versus 0.7% regionally), Korean at 3.1% (versus 1.1%), and Vietnamese at 5.2% (versus 1.8%).

Berala's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Berala's median age in 2021 was 37 years, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 19.2% of Berala's population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 5-14 cohort made up 9.1%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 25-34 age group has increased from 18.1% to 19.2%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 3.9% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 9.1%, and the 45-54 group has fallen from 13.0% to 11.8%. By 2041, Berala's age structure is projected to shift significantly. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,307 people from the current 1,069. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 52% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.