Berkeley

Berkeley has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Berkeley is around 98,808, reflecting an increase of 3,068 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb's population was recorded as 95,740 in the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.2% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,678, based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 13,498 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Berkeley's growth of 3.2% since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the non-metro area's 5.1%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration playing minimal roles.

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 from 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. Projecting forward, the suburb is expected to experience above median population growth, expanding by 6,787 persons to reach a total of 105,595 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Berkeley averaged approximately 244 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,223 homes were approved, with an additional 81 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodated about 0.6 new residents annually.

This indicates that new supply has been keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these dwellings was approximately $849,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $124.1 million, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Rest of NSW, Berkeley records about three-quarters the building activity per person while ranking among the 98th percentile nationally.

New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (77.0%) and attached dwellings (23.0%), maintaining the area's low-density nature and appealing to space-seeking buyers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 182.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population density in Berkeley is approximately 426 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Berkeley 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 the region. Notable ones are King Street Warrawong Masterplan, Berkeley Shopping Centre Upgrade, 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 rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Berkeley has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, the employment figure stands at 27,028 residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Berkeley is notably high at 108.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Mining specifically shows a significant concentration with employment levels being 10.2 times the regional average. The resident-to-worker ratio as per the Census is 0.8, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the year prior to June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.0% and employment declined by 3.0%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that while overall national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Berkeley's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years. However, it should be noted that these projections are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Berkeley is $97,070 and average income is $124,686. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Berkeley is approximately $109,311 and average income is $140,409. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Berkeley rank modestly between the 38th and 40th percentiles. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 with 56.2% of residents (55,530 people). Economic diversity is present with 64.2% in constrained financial circumstances and 33.8% achieving substantial weekly earnings. Housing costs are manageable with 170.8% retained, but disposable income ranks at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Berkeley, as per the latest Census, 182.0% of dwellings were houses while 18.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berkeley stood at 84.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 64.4% and rented dwellings 50.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,200, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Berkeley was recorded at $600, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $365. Nationally, Berkeley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Berkeley features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 132.8% of all households, including 50.2% couples with children, 58.2% couples without children, and 22.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining -32.8%, with lone person households at 62.0% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 4.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

Berkeley's residents aged 15 and over have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 31.2% compared to the SA3 area (16.9%) and Rest of NSW (21.3%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 87.0% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (19.0%) and certificates (68.0%). Educational participation is high, with 57.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (22.8%), secondary education (16.4%), and tertiary education (4.6%). The area's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,306 students, serving varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 914. Educational provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. Berkeley functions as an education hub with 27.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Berkeley shows 3016 active transport stops operating within the city, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 248 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6436 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 784 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 919 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Berkeley is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Berkeley faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 102% of the total population (100,388 people), compared to 51.4% across Rest of NSW, which has a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 21.4% and 17.4% of residents respectively.

Meanwhile, 125.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. As of 2021, the area has 46.2% of residents aged 65 and over (45,609 people), which is higher than the 19.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Berkeley is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Berkeley's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with percentages exceeding 100% for some demographic categories: 178.2% of the population were citizens, 180.6% were born in Australia, and 191.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 119.8% of people in Berkeley, compared to 58.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (65.0%, regional average: 26.3%), English (64.0%, regional average: 26.1%), and Irish (18.0%, regional average: 6.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (9.8% vs 3.2%), Maltese (1.0% vs 1.3%), and Scottish (15.8% vs 6.4%) groups were overrepresented in Berkeley compared to the region.

Berkeley ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Berkeley's median age is 87, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and substantially above the national norm of 38. Its demographic profile mirrors broader Rest of NSW patterns. The concentration in the 55-64 age group is notably higher at 28.8%, compared to the national average of 11.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 21.8% to 24.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 19.8% to 21.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 25.4% to 22.9%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 28.8% to 27.3%. By 2041, Berkeley's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by -53% (-2,620 people), reaching 2,340 from the current figure of 4,960. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 85+ and 0-4 age groups.