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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bradbury's population is estimated at around 10,058 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 625 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,433 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,581 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 210 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,841 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bradbury's 6.6% growth since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the state (7.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb 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 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 suburb expected to grow by 692 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.1% 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 shows Bradbury averaged approximately 47 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 236 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. Historically, between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed has been observed, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market. The average construction value for new dwellings is approximately $364,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals have amounted to $1.2 million, indicating a predominantly residential focus for development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bradbury records roughly three-quarters of the building activity per capita and ranks among the 71st percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent construction comprises approximately 85% standalone homes and 15% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Bradbury's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space.

The area has around 183 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bradbury is projected to grow by approximately 215 residents by the year 2041. With current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favourable 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include Newbrook Shopping Village Redevelopment, Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre Upgrades, and Raith Bradbury Development. 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.

Employment drivers in Bradbury are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bradbury has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.5% as of December 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 6.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there were 4,610 residents employed, while the unemployment rate was 4.3%, higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Bradbury was 67.7%, slightly below Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses showed that 28.8% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing had employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the discrepancy between the Census working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.7%, while the labour force grew by 7.0%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Bradbury's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Bradbury had a median taxpayer income of $52,197 and an average income of $59,908 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is below the national average, which was a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bradbury would be approximately $56,822 (median) and $65,216 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Bradbury all rank modestly, between the 34th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 34.2% of the population (3,439 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bradbury, 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census evaluated Bradbury's dwelling structure as 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bradbury was 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented dwellings at 34.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $385, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Bradbury's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Bradbury has a typical household mix, with a higher-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% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (27.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.9% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Bradbury indicates that there are 71 active transport stops currently operating within the area, all of which serve bus routes. These stops are serviced by a total of 28 individual routes, collectively providing 810 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 141 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Bradbury is primarily residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 86% of residents, while only 8% use the train. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect conditions influenced by COVID-19, a high proportion of residents, specifically 28.8%, work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages at approximately 115 trips per day, equating to roughly 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bradbury is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

AreaSearch's assessment reveals substantial health challenges in Bradbury. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of Bradbury's total population (~5,094 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (8.7%), while 65.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Bradbury has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,639 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bradbury was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bradbury's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 25.6% born overseas and 22.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bradbury, comprising 53.8% of its population. Islam, however, was overrepresented at 7.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the highest at 24.8%, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English ancestry followed at 22.9%, and Other ancestry accounted for 13.1% of Bradbury's population. Notable differences were observed in certain ethnic groups: Samoan was overrepresented at 1.9% (regional average 0.5%), Lebanese at 2.1% (vs regional 2.6%), and Spanish at 0.7% (vs regional 0.6%).

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 percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.9% to 5.9%. Conversely, the population aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes for Bradbury's population. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 131%, adding 198 residents to reach a total of 349. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 67% of the population growth, highlighting aging trends in demographics. Conversely, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 15-24 and 25-34.