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 Nov 2025, Blacktown's population is estimated at around 53,610, reflecting an increase of 2,649 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.2% rise from the previous population count of 50,961. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 53,034, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 787 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,338 persons per square kilometer, placing Blacktown in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Notably, Blacktown's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

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 where applicable, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is expected for Blacktown until 2041, with a projected increase of 9,527 persons, reflecting a total gain of 16.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Blacktown recorded approximately 473 residential properties granted approval annually, with an estimated 2,365 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. In FY-26 up to July, 79 homes have been approved. The average number of new residents per new home over these five years was around 0.4.

This pace suggests that new supply is keeping up with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes is $316,000, which is below the regional average. In FY-26 up to July, commercial approvals registered totalled $173.0 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Blacktown shows 56.0% higher development activity per person. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 66.0% houses.

The location has approximately 142 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Blacktown is forecasted to gain 8,803 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 53 projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Dara Blacktown, Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Stage 2, Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan, and Blacktown Quarter. The following list details those 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.

Blacktown has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Blacktown's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.3%.

As of June 2025, 29,663 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 57.2%, below Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has a high employment share at 2.2 times the regional level.

Professional & technical employs only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the 12 months prior to Sep-22, employment increased by 6.3%, labour force grew by 6.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase 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.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Blacktown's median income among taxpayers was $50,011 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $57,259 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest Blacktown's median income will be approximately $56,317 and the average income will be around $64,479, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Blacktown rank between the 40th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis shows that the majority of residents, 37.2% or 19,942 people, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is also dominant in the region at 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 metro's 76.8% houses and 23.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blacktown stood at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 44.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,094, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Blacktown was $400, matching Sydney metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Blacktown's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Blacktown features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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% of the total. 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 33.0%, slightly below Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the 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: 9.8% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 6.9% in tertiary education. There are 18 schools serving 10,129 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1012) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 9 primaries, 7 secondaries, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 18.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.7, indicating Blacktown serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Blacktown has 279 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 112 individual routes, facilitating 17,173 weekly passenger trips in total. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 158 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 2,453 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 61 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 among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~26,601 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 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 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (7,290 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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 population where 57.8% speak a language other than English at home, with 53.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.5%. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Blacktown's population at 10.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 6.6%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other', Australian, and English are the top three groups, comprising 26.7%, 13.6%, and 12.6% respectively. Notably, Filipino (6.3%), Indian (12.5%), and Maltese (1.8%) populations are higher than regional averages.

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 33%, adding 1,985 residents and reaching a total of 8,043. Conversely, populations aged 0-4 and 35-44 are forecasted to decline.