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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Blacktown is around 55,942, reflecting a growth of 4,981 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 50,961. This increase represents a 9.8% change from the 2021 figure. The resident population estimate of 53,223 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 813 validated new addresses since the Census date contribute to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 3,483 persons per square kilometer, placing Blacktown in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 9.8% population growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.2%) and the state average, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations to all areas projects an above median population growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb of Blacktown is expected to expand by 9,547 persons, reflecting a gain of 11.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Blacktown recorded approximately 476 residential properties with approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 2,381 homes were approved, with an additional 150 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.4 new residents per year arrived for each new home over these years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer choice while creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $316,000. In FY26, Blacktown has registered $180.2 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Blacktown has 57.0% more development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity. Analysis shows that new building activity consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 66.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With approximately 139 people per approval, Blacktown reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects that Blacktown will grow by 6,486 residents through to 2041. Given 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 an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 53 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Stage 2, Blacktown Quarter, Dara Blacktown, and Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 Blacktown remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Blacktown has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%. As of September 2025, 29,035 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Blacktown is equal to Greater Sydney's at 70.0%. According to Census responses, 30.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The key industries employing residents are health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has a particularly high employment share at 2.2 times the regional level, while professional & technical employs only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment in Blacktown increased by 4.8%, while the labour force grew by 4.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blacktown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Blacktown was $50,018 and the average income stood at $57,266. This compares to figures for Greater Sydney of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $54,450 and the average income around $62,340 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Blacktown ranked modestly, between the 40th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 37.2% or 20,810 people, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Blacktown, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, consisted of 65.6% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metropolitan areas' 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blacktown was at 22.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (44.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,094, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Blacktown's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded 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, broken down into 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% of the total. 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 stand 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% 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 individual routes, facilitating 20,337 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 76%, while train and bus account for 13% and 6% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 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 approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop. The map provided 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 residents is somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 50% of Blacktown's total population (~27,758 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (5.9%) and arthritis (5.8%). 75.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Blacktown has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (7,887 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. 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 a highly diverse population, with 57.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 53.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Blacktown, comprising 45.5%. The category 'Other' is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, making up 10.2% of Blacktown's population.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other', Australian and English are the top groups at 26.7%, 13.6%, and 12.6% respectively. Notably, Filipino, Indian, and Maltese communities are overrepresented in Blacktown compared to regional averages: Filipino at 6.3% vs 2.0%, Indian at 12.5% vs 3.6%, and Maltese at 1.8% vs 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 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 6.8% to 7.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 18.3% to 17.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Blacktown. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 26%, adding 1,667 residents to reach a total of 8,045. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 51% of the population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.