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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cabramatta is around 21,528. This figure represents an increase of 386 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 21,142. The latest resident population estimate from AreaSearch, based on examination of the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses, is 21,432. This results in a population density ratio of 4,254 persons per square kilometer, placing Cabramatta in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population growth in the suburb.

AreaSearch's projections for Cabramatta are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by the former. By 2041, Cabramatta's population is expected to increase by 2,117 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.4% over the 17-year period. This growth rate is just below the median of national statistical areas.

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

Cabramatta has recorded approximately 56 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 280 homes. As of July 2021, 35 approvals have been recorded for the current financial year, FY-26. The population has declined in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $429,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been $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 a higher proportion of 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 estimate Cabramatta to add 2,021 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate as of July 2021. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Cabramatta East Town Centre, new Vien Giac Temple construction, Bathla Group Cabramatta Mixed-Use Development, and Cabramatta West Estate Renewal.

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 6.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.8%. As of December 2025, there were 9,354 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is 2.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was at 53.4%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 18.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents were manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Cabramatta had a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 4.8% of Cabramatta's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8%, while labour force increased by 5.0%, causing a decrease in 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 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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 ended 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 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Cabramatta would be approximately $43,757 and average income $52,194 by the latter date. According to the Census conducted on August 2021, incomes in Cabramatta fall between the 2nd and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The majority of residents (28.5%, or 6,135 people) earn between $800 and $1,499 per week, 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, comprised 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cabramatta was at 29.3%, similar to Sydney metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (21.4%) or rented (49.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cabramatta was $1,500, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area 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 constitute 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 comprise 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, 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 prevalent 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 and above, 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 are served by 33 different routes, collectively facilitating 6,434 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 77%, followed by train 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 across all routes averages 919 trips per day, 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, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~9,896 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.7 and 4.4% of residents respectively, while 80.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney.

The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,284 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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, as per the 2016 Census, has a population where 69.6% were born overseas and 86.2% speak languages other than English at home. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Cabramatta, with 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%) and Samoan (1.3%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% each.

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. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Cabramatta at 14.4%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 11.2%. Between January 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.9%, and the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 14.1% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 14.4% to 12.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.2%. 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 1,227 people (100%) from 1,227 to 2,455. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.