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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Blacktown statistical area (Lv2) is around 55,939. This figure represents an increase of 4,978 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,961. The change is inferred from the resident population of 53,223 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 787 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,483 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Blacktown (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census, exceeding both the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.1% and the state's growth rate. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilised. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections moving forward, the Blacktown (SA2) is expected to grow by 9,541 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, 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 of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Blacktown recorded around 476 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 2,381 homes. In FY-26 so far, 150 approvals have been recorded. On average, only 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

New supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $316,000. In FY-26, $180.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Blacktown shows 57.0% higher development activity per person as of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. New building activity consists of 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 66.0% houses.

Blacktown reflects a developing area with around 139 people per approval. Future projections show Blacktown adding 6,488 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of a region is significantly 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.

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Employment conditions in Blacktown remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Blacktown has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 29,019 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 lower at 57.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has a particularly high share of employment at 2.2 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employ only 6.4% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blacktown's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Blacktown suburb has lower income levels than national averages, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Blacktown's median taxpayer income is $50,018, average income is $57,266, compared to Greater Sydney's $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Projecting with Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $54,450 (median) and $62,340 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Blacktown's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 40th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis reveals 37.2% of Blacktown's population, or 20,809 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across surrounding regions at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. Blacktown's area is in the 4th decile based on SEIFA income rankings.

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

In Blacktown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 65.6% of dwellings were houses while 34.4% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure which was 76.8% houses and 23.3% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Blacktown was 22.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (44.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Blacktown was $2,094, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Blacktown was $400, matching the Sydney metro figure. Nationally, Blacktown's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,094 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while median weekly rents in Blacktown exceeded the national average of $375 with a figure of $400.

Blacktown features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

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 at 9.9% and graduate diplomas at 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

Transport analysis in Blacktown shows 343 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 109 individual routes operating, serving a total of 20,337 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 157 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is high, with an average of 2,905 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Blacktown's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Blacktown. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average across older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~27,756 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, affecting 5.9 and 5.8% of residents respectively. 75.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.6% across Greater Sydney. Blacktown has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (7,551 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention 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's population is highly diverse, with 57.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 53.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 45.5%. The category 'Other' in religion is overrepresented at 10.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 6.6%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 26.7%, followed by Australian at 13.6% and English at 12.6%. Notably, Filipino (6.3%) and Indian (12.5%) populations are higher than regional averages, while Maltese (1.8%) is slightly lower.

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 proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.1%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (11.3%). According to population forecasts for the year 2041, there will be significant demographic changes in Blacktown. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 1,721 residents and reaching a total of 8,043. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 53% of the population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. However, population declines are projected for the age groups 5-14 and 25-34.