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 of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cabramatta is around 21,426. This figure represents an increase of 284 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,142. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 21,414 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,234 persons per square kilometer, placing Cabramatta in the top 10% of national 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 projections anticipate a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Cabramatta is expected to expand by 2,091 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.7% in total over the 16-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. This totals an estimated 280 homes. So far in FY-26, 49 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $429,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. There have also been $12.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating 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 persistent 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 2,079 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Cabramatta East Town Centre, Construction of the new Vien Giac Temple, 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 in the area was 6.2% as of an unspecified date. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.0%.

As of December 2025, 9,417 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Cabramatta lagged behind Greater Sydney's at 53.6% compared to 68.8%. According to Census responses, 18.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents were manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Cabramatta had a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 4.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0% while labour force grew by 5.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Cabramatta. These projections suggest national employment should 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending 30 June 2023 indicates that median income in Cabramatta is $40,196 and average income stands at $47,946. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ending 30 June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Cabramatta is approximately $44,344 and average income is $52,894. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cabramatta fall between the 2nd and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort spans 28.5% of locals (6,106 people) with incomes between $800 and $1,499, unlike broader trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cabramatta, with only 80.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Cabramatta's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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 at 29.3%, similar to Sydney metro, with the rest either mortgaged (21.4%) or rented (49.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Cabramatta was $330, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Cabramatta's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 compose 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 account for 25.7%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 5.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, 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+, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 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 stops are served by 33 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,434 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest stop. Commuting patterns show car use dominates at 77%, while train usage stands at 13% and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, 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 daily across all routes, equating to approximately 73 weekly trips per individual 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 based on 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. Approximately 46% (~9,849 people) have private health cover, which is significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Cabramatta are diabetes (impacting 5.7%) and arthritis (4.4%). Notably, 80% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7% (4,220 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Cabramatta are strong, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 highly diverse population, with 69.6% born overseas and 86.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Cabramatta, accounting for 46.1%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 4.1%. 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%) populations are higher in Cabramatta compared to 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 years. Comparing it with Greater Sydney, the 55-64 age group is notably over-represented at 14.2% locally, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 11.3%. Between 2021 and now, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 14.1% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 14.4% to 12.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Cabramatta's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, increasing by 1,205 people (100%) from 1,199 to 2,405. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.