Blacktown

Population growth drivers in Blacktown are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Blacktown is around 54,183. This figure reflects an increase of 3,222 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,961. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 53,968 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 823 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,373 persons per square kilometer, placing Blacktown in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 4.3%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Blacktown expected to expand by 8,877 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.0% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Blacktown among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Blacktown recorded approximately 476 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 2,382 homes were approved, with an additional 210 approved in FY26 so far. This indicates an average of about 0.8 new residents per year arriving for each new home over these years, suggesting that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes was approximately $316,000. In terms of commercial approvals, Blacktown registered around $180.2 million in this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Blacktown has about 57.0% more development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, it's noted that development activity has moderated recently. The type of new building activity in Blacktown is approximately 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This trend marks a significant change from the current housing pattern, which is predominantly houses at 66.0%. Blacktown reflects a developing area, with around 140 people per approval. Looking ahead, Blacktown is projected to grow by approximately 8,662 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 51 projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable projects include Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program - Blacktown LGA, Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Stage 2, Blacktown Quarter, and Dara Blacktown. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Blacktown shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Blacktown has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.5%. As of December 2025, 29,357 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%. According to Census responses, 30.5% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade. Blacktown specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level, while professional & technical employs only 6.4% of local workers compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, and labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and unemployment marginally increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blacktown's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% in five years and 13.5% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Blacktown had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Blacktown was $50,018 and the average income stood at $57,266. These figures compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Blacktown would be approximately $55,180 (median) and $63,176 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Blacktown ranked modestly, between the 40th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis revealed that the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominated with 37.2% of residents (20,156 people). Housing affordability pressures were severe in Blacktown, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Blacktown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Blacktown's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 65.6% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 65.9% houses and 34.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blacktown was at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 44.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,094, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Blacktown was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Blacktown's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 74.9% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Blacktown aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

University qualification levels in Blacktown are at 33.0%, slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 17.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Blacktown has 349 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 109 routes, facilitating 20,337 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 157 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 76%, while trains account for 13% and buses 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 30.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 2,905 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 58 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Blacktown's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Blacktown's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 50% (~26,885 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.9 and 5.8% of residents respectively. 75.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.7% (7,423 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Blacktown has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 57.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 53.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.5%. However, there's significant overrepresentation in 'Other', comprising 10.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' leads at 26.7%, higher than the regional average of 16.0%. Australian and English follow with 13.6% and 12.6% respectively, but English is notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%. Notably, Filipino (6.3%) and Indian (12.5%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.0% and 3.6%, while Maltese at 1.8% is slightly higher than the region's 1.0%.

Blacktown hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Blacktown's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Blacktown has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.5%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population of those aged 65-74 has increased from 6.8% to 7.4%, while the population of those aged 0-4 has decreased from 7.1% to 6.5%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Blacktown. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 31%, adding 1,933 residents to reach a total of 8,165. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.