Birrong

Population growth drivers in Birrong are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, Birrong's estimated population is around 3,548. This reflects an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,331. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,528 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. Birrong's population density ratio is 2,956 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Birrong's growth of 6.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 5.4%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median is expected, with Birrong projected to grow by 347 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.2% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Birrong 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, Birrong has experienced around 15 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, approximately 79 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY2026. This results in an average of about 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years. However, recent figures show this has accelerated to around 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

Development projects have an average construction value of $436,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $4.2 million in commercial development approvals were recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Birrong has 16.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 49th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. New development consists of approximately 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This marks a significant shift from the current housing pattern, which is predominantly composed of houses (84.0%). At around 327 people per approval, Birrong reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Birrong is expected to grow by approximately 327 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include 101-103 Hector Street in Sefton, the New Bankstown Hospital, Salt Pan Creek Channel Repairs, and Compass Centre Redevelopment. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Birrong faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Birrong has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 9.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 1,456 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Greater Sydney's at 5.7%.

Workforce participation was lower too, at 56.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion of residents worked from home, with 36.0% doing so according to Census responses. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Birrong showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 6.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.7%, labour force by 5.1%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Birrong's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Birrong suburb's median taxpayer income is $42,712 and average is $54,436 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $47,120 and average around $60,054, factoring in a 10.32% growth from the financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes are at the 6th percentile ($548 weekly), while household incomes rank at the 39th percentile. The dominant income cohort is 31.2% of locals (1,106 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.9% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile.

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

Birrong's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.7% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birrong stood at 38.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,033, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Birrong was $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Birrong's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Birrong features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.7% of all households, including 43.2% couples with children, 18.3% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.3%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 24.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (15.9%). Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 7.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Birrong has 19 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 9 routes, collectively facilitating 2,449 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest stop. Most Birrong residents commute outward, primarily using cars (79%), with trains accounting for 14%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 36% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 349 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 128 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Birrong is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Birrong shows better-than-average health outcomes, as evaluated by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (1,721 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.3%) and arthritis (5.9%), with 75.5% of residents reporting no medical ailments, close to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.2% (574 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors ranking above average, similar to national rankings for the general population.

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

Birrong has a culturally diverse population, with 49.8% born overseas and 68.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Birrong, comprising 37.7%. Buddhism is substantially higher here than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, making up 14.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (20.3%), Vietnamese (17.4%) and Chinese (15.0%). These percentages are significantly higher than regional averages: Vietnamese (17.4% vs regional 1.8%), Chinese (15.0% vs regional 8.4%). Notable overrepresentations also exist for Lebanese (10.5% vs regional 2.6%), Macedonian (1.9% vs regional 0.4%) and Korean (0.8% vs regional 1.1%).

Birrong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Birrong's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, Birrong has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (12.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.7%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 3.9% to 5.0%. Conversely, the population aged 55-64 has declined from 13.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Birrong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 144%, adding 122 residents to reach 208. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 67% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 5-14 are projected to experience population declines.