Cabramatta

Cabramatta is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Cabramatta was around 21,528 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 386 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 21,142. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 21,432 in June 2024 and the validation of 23 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,254 persons per square kilometer, placing Cabramatta among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Cabramatta are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These aggregations anticipate future population dynamics, indicating an increase just below the median national statistical area level by 2041. Based on these projections, Cabramatta's population is expected to expand by approximately 2,114 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 9.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Cabramatta, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Cabramatta recorded around 56 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 280 homes. By May 2026, 31 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has not affected housing supply relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $429,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $12.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

New development consists of 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (39.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 426 people per dwelling approval, Cabramatta shows a developed market. Future projections show Cabramatta adding 1,994 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate ending March 2023. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Twenty-two infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include Cabramatta East Town Centre, new Vien Giac Temple construction, Bathla Group Cabramatta Mixed-Use Development, and Cabramatta West Estate Renewal. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Cabramatta recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Cabramatta has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.5%. As of September 2025, there are 9,243 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is lower at 52.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 18.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment are manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Cabramatta has a significant employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5% and labour force increased by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Cabramatta. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cabramatta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Cabramatta suburb is $40,196 and average income is $47,946. This is below Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $43,757 and average income $52,194, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census indicates Cabramatta's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 12th percentiles nationally. In Cabramatta, 28.5% of locals (6,135 people) earn between $800 - $1,499, unlike broader trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Cabramatta displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Cabramatta's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cabramatta was 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 49.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent was $330, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Cabramatta's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cabramatta features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.3% of all households, including 32.8% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 21.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households making up 5.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Cabramatta faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational pathways account for 20.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+. Advanced diplomas make up 8.4% while certificates comprise 12.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in secondary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cabramatta has 87 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 33 routes, providing 6,434 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters travelling outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 77%, followed by train at 13% and walking at 5%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.9, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 919 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 73 weekly trips per stop.

Cabramatta's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Cabramatta's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population, around 9,896 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Cabramatta are diabetes and arthritis, affecting 5.7% and 4.4% of residents respectively. Around 80.0% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7%, or approximately 4,241 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Cabramatta are particularly strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

Cabramatta is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cabramatta has a culturally diverse population, with 69.6% born overseas and 86.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion is Buddhism, practiced by 46.1%, compared to 4.1% in Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Vietnamese (35.9%), Chinese (26.5%), and Other (17.7%).

Notably, Serbian (1.5%), Samoan (1.3%), and Russian (0.4%) ethnicities have higher representation than regional averages.

Cabramatta's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Cabramatta has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Cabramatta at 14.4%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.8% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 14.1% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.3%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Cabramatta's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow dramatically by 1,240 people (103%), from 1,205 to 2,446. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 88% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.