Berkeley

An assessment of population growth drivers in Berkeley 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 since the Census, Berkeley's population is estimated at around 7965 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 167 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7798 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7800, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1088 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 925 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Berkeley has experienced around 26 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Approximately 131 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which could be positive for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $385,000. There have also been $1.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential development. In relation to the rest of NSW and nationally, Berkeley shows approximately half the construction activity per person while it places among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This activity is similarly under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 52.0% detached houses and 48.0% attached dwellings, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 89.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 301 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Berkeley will gain 788 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Berkeley Square (Berkeley Shopping Centre Upgrade), King Street Warrawong Masterplan, Hooka Creek Road Retirement Village, and Alukea Road Major Culvert Upgrade. 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.

Employment conditions in Berkeley face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Berkeley's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs with notable representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 13.5%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. The area's unemployment rate stands at 9.7%, higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 48.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Transport, postal & warehousing stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, accounting for only 0.4% of Berkeley's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%. 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 Berkeley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Berkeley's median income among taxpayers was $46,718 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $55,868 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,857 (median) and $60,818 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to Census 2021 income data, Berkeley's household, family, and personal incomes all fell between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. In Berkeley, 29.1% of the population earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Berkeley, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Berkeley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Berkeley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berkeley was at 32.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.4%) or rented (39.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Berkeley was $290, significantly below Non-Metro NSW's $365 and the national figure of $375.

Berkeley has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.2% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 18.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Berkeley faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualified residents at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.8% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 65 active stops operating in Berkeley. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 17 individual routes. They collectively facilitate 518 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 74 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Berkeley is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Berkeley faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,908 people), compared to 52.0% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.5 and 10.0% of residents respectively.

61.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 18.1% of Berkeley's population is aged 65 and over (1,441 people). Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Berkeley was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Berkeley's population shows high cultural diversity, with 22.9% born overseas and 21.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berkeley, accounting for 56.9% of its population. Islam is notably overrepresented compared to regional figures, comprising 6.9% of Berkeley's population versus 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.1%), English (23.1%), and Other (10.9%). Notable divergences exist in the representation of Macedonian (5.0% vs regional 3.8%), Serbian (0.8% vs 0.8%), and Lebanese (1.9% vs 1.0%) ethnic groups.

Berkeley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Berkeley is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 13.8% of Berkeley's population, higher than the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds comprise 9.6%, lower than the Rest of NSW average. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 13.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Berkeley. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 328 people (30%), from 1,099 to 1,428. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.