Birchgrove

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Birchgrove statistical area (Lv2)'s estimated population is around 3,348. This reflects an increase of 120 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,228. AreaSearch's estimate follows examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, resulting in an estimated resident population of 3,325. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,674 persons per square kilometer, placing Birchgrove (SA2) within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 3.7% growth since census is comparable to the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, Birchgrove (SA2) is expected to increase by 237 persons to reach an estimated population of 3,585 by the year 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 5.6% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Birchgrove averaged around 1 new dwelling approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 6 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26. Population decline suggests demand has been met by new supply, offering buyers good choice.

Average construction value is $1,278,000, indicating focus on premium segment. This financial year saw $4.3 million in commercial approvals, showing limited commercial development focus. Birchgrove's construction is 88.0% below Greater Sydney's average per person, potentially strengthening demand and prices for existing properties. Recent intensification suggests possible planning constraints or maturing market. All recent development has been detached dwellings, preserving suburban nature with strong demand for family homes.

Birchgrove has approximately 2184 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, it is expected to grow by 186 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Birchgrove 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 four projects likely to impact the region: Western Harbour Tunnel, White Bay Power Station Redevelopment, Loyalty Square Balmain Revitalisation, and Bays West Precinct Master Plan. These are detailed below as they are most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Birchgrove significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Birchgrove has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year. As of September 2025, 1,947 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 66.3%, above Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance.

Birchgrove specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Retail trade shows lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, labour force by 0.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 15.3% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Birchgrove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.3% over ten years.

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

Birchgrove suburb's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. Birchgrove's median income among taxpayers was $91,183 and average income stood at $169,838, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $99,262 (median) and $184,886 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Birchgrove, between the 99th and 99th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows predominant cohort spans 47.1% of locals (1,576 people) in the $4000+ category, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Economic strength emerges through 57.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Birchgrove's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 28.4% houses and 71.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 30.0% houses and 70.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birchgrove was at 41.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,500. The median weekly rent in Birchgrove was $700, compared to Sydney metro's $600. Nationally, Birchgrove's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 72.4% of all households, including 32.7% couples with children, 32.1% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.3.

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

Birchgrove has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 65.5% holding university qualifications. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. The area's most common university qualification is the Bachelor degree, held by 39.3% of residents in this age group. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 21.5%, with graduate diplomas at 4.7%.

Vocational pathways account for 15.8% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (7.3%). Birchgrove also has a high level of current educational participation, with 26.2% of residents enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Birchgrove has 14 active public transport stops. These are a mix of ferry and bus services. Four routes operate in total, providing 1,678 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 169 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 239 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 119 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Birchgrove's health outcomes show excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 94% of the total population (3,136 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 80.2%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 6.8 and 5.8% of residents respectively. A total of 74.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 73.2%. Birchgrove has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1%, with 739 people in this age group, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Birchgrove's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Birchgrove, comprising 41.6%. Judaism, however, is notably overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (30.2%), Australian (20.0%), and Irish (12.7%). Some ethnicities show notable differences: Welsh is overrepresented at 1.1% versus the regional average of 0.7%, French at 0.7% compared to 0.8%, and Scottish at 9.1% versus 8.1%.

Birchgrove hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Birchgrove is 46 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also above the Australian median of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.4% of Birchgrove's population, compared to the Greater Sydney average, indicating an over-representation in this cohort. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 9.0%, showing under-representation in Birchgrove. Between the 2021 Census and the current time, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.3% to 10.0%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 6.1% to 7.6%. However, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 13.5% to 12.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Birchgrove. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow by 93 people, from 428 to 522, representing a 22% increase. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 82% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.