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 9,893 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 460 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,433 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,843 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 213 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,794 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bradbury's 4.9% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the state (7.1%), 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 594 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.5% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bradbury recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Bradbury has averaged approximately 47 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 236 homes. So far in FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, there were around 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

The average construction value of new dwellings is approximately $364,000. In the current financial year, there have been $1.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bradbury records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 71st percentile of areas assessed nationally.

Recent construction comprises approximately 85% standalone homes and 15% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space. The location has about 181 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bradbury is expected to grow by approximately 544 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones 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.

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Employment performance in Bradbury has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bradbury has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 8.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.6%. As of December 2025, 4,608 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Bradbury is lower at 65.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A significant portion, 28.8%, of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Transport, postal & warehousing has particularly high representation at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.6%, labour force by 6.9%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Bradbury's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

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 of $59,908 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By March 2026, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% would be approximately $57,584 (median) and $66,091 (average). Census data from 2021 showed household, family, and personal incomes in Bradbury ranked modestly, between the 34th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution data indicated that 34.2% of the population (3,383 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bradbury stood at 25.8%, with the remaining dwellings being either mortgaged (40.1%) or rented (34.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bradbury was $2,000 as of June 2021, which is below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Bradbury was recorded at $385 during the same period, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Bradbury's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 as of June 2021, 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, consisting of 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 at 30.8%, comprising 11.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, 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

Bradbury has 71 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 28 different routes that together facilitate 810 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 141 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 86%, while train usage stands at 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 28.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 115 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 found significant health challenges in Bradbury. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% of Bradbury's total population (~5,010 people) had private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (8.7%), while 65.0% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age population faced notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Bradbury had 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,563 people). Health outcomes among seniors were broadly in line with national rankings.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.6 percent born overseas and 22.3 percent speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Bradbury was Christianity, making up 53.8 percent of the population. However, Islam showed notable overrepresentation, comprising 7.9 percent compared to Greater Sydney's 6.8 percent.

In terms of ancestry, Australians topped the list at 24.8 percent, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.8 percent. English and Other groups followed at 22.9 percent and 13.1 percent respectively. Notably, Samoan (1.9% vs 0.5%), Lebanese (2.1% vs 2.6%) and Spanish (0.7% vs 0.6%) groups were overrepresented in Bradbury compared to regional averages.

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 concentration of residents aged 5-14 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.9% to 5.7%. Conversely, the population aged 25-34 has declined from 15.0% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Bradbury's population. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 136%, adding 201 residents to reach a total of 350. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of the population growth, highlighting the trend towards demographic aging. Conversely, populations in the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to decline.