Bradbury (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bradbury reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of Bradbury (NSW) is estimated at around 9,566 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 133 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,433 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,542 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce Projections data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 210 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,702 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 700 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bradbury when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Bradbury indicates an average annual total of 46 new dwelling approvals over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 231 homes. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period is 1.3.

Supply and demand appear balanced, with stable market conditions. The average value for new dwellings developed is $364,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $604,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Bradbury records about three-quarters of the building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 81st percentile of areas assessed for development activity, though recent periods have shown increased activity. Recent construction comprises 77.0% detached dwellings and 23.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Bradbury's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 135 people per dwelling approval, Bradbury shows characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Bradbury is expected to grow by 894 residents through to 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.

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

Twelve infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre Upgrades, Raith Bradbury Development, and Kerridge Release Area (Ambarvale South). The following list details those 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.

The labour market performance in Bradbury lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Bradbury has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1%.

As of June 2025, there are 4,504 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Bradbury lags at 54.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among Bradbury residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1%, while labour force increased by 4.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% over the same period, with labour force growth of 2.9%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bradbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

Bradbury's median taxpayer income was $52,197 and average income was $59,908 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,779 (median) and $67,462 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Bradbury rank modestly, between the 34th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 34.2% of Bradbury's population (3,271 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader regional trends showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Bradbury, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metropolitan area's structure of 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bradbury was higher than that of the Sydney metro area at 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 40.1% and rented dwellings making up 34.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as recorded on 27 June 2019, was $2,000, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,100. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Bradbury stood at $385, compared to Sydney metro's $380. Nationally, Bradbury's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 as of 30 June 2020, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Bradbury has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.8% of all households, including 33.3% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.4%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (27.2%). Educational participation is high at 30.8%, comprising primary education (11.9%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (3.6%).

The area has two schools serving 879 students: Bradbury Public School and Sherwood Hills Christian School. These schools provide balanced educational opportunities, with an ICSEA score of 1023. There is one primary school and one K-12 school in the area. However, school places per 100 residents (9.2) are below the regional average (17.1), suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Bradbury has 64 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 28 different routes that together facilitate 809 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 141 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 115 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bradbury is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Bradbury faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across the area, particularly among older age cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~4,845 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 8.7% of residents respectively. 65.0% of residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Greater Sydney. In Bradbury, 15.8% (1,511 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, higher than the 14.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Bradbury was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bradbury's population showed higher cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 25.6% born overseas and 22.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bradbury, accounting for 53.8% of its residents. Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 7.9% versus 12.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (24.8%), English (22.9%), and Other (13.1%), which was lower than the regional average of 21.6%. Notable differences existed in certain ethnic groups: Samoan (1.9% vs 2.4%), Lebanese (2.1% vs 1.9%), and Spanish (0.7% vs 0.7%).

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

Bradbury's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bradbury has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population share of those aged 75-84 has increased from 4.9% to 5.6%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 15.0% to 14.1%. By 2041, Bradbury's population is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 164%, adding 219 residents to reach a total of 353 in this age group. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of the population growth, highlighting the trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 35-44.