Camden

An assessment of population growth drivers in Camden reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Camden's estimated population is 3,545 as of May 2026, reflecting a 167-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.9% rise from the previous figure of 3,378 people. AreaSearch's analysis, based on latest ERP data (June 2025) and validated new addresses, shows a resident population estimate of 3,533. The population density is 779 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Camden's growth rate of 4.9% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the state's 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Camden is expected to increase by 212 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.6% over the 16-year period.

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

Camden has seen approximately 10 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, this totals an estimated 54 homes. By FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per new home over these five years is 0.3.

This indicates that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth. The average construction value of new homes is $815,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Camden has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks around the 40th percentile for areas assessed, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. This activity is below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 64% standalone homes and 36% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 410 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Camden adding 200 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Spring Farm Riverside, Camden Community Nursery, Camden Lakeside Stage 3 & 4 (Elderslie), and Camden Town Centre Enhancements. The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Camden performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Camden has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 10.2%. As of December 2025, 2,294 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.5% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was high at 78.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 31.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average, while finance & insurance employed only 2.0% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 7.3%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 10.2%, labour force grew by 10.1%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% with a marginal increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Camden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Camden is $51,511 and average income is $63,147. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $56,827 and average income $69,664 by that date. The 2021 Census reports Camden's personal income rank at the 61st percentile ($865 weekly) and household income at the 44th percentile. Income brackets indicate 32.6% of residents earn between $1,500 - $2,999 (1,155 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.2% of income remaining post-housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Camden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Camden's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.0% houses and 25.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Camden stood at 30.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 33.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,143, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent in Camden was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Camden's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,143 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 against the national figure of $375.

Camden features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.5% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 35.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Camden exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates of 23.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (28.9%). Educational participation is high at 31.5%, including 11.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops in Camden. These stops offer mixed bus services, with a total of 78 routes providing 1,945 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains dominant at 88%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, above regional average.

High work-from-home rate of 31.5% was recorded in the 2021 Census, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 277 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Camden is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Camden faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,840 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.6 and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 62.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.5%, with 762 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Camden ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Camden's population shows low cultural diversity, with 85.2% born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 68.1%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.4%), English (29.3%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Maltese (1.1%), Welsh (0.7%), and South Australian (0.7%) groups are disproportionately represented compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 0.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Camden hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Camden is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up 8.6% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 12.5%. Since 2021, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.4%, and the 45-54 cohort has increased from 13.5% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 12.3% to 10.7%, and those aged 85+ have dropped from 4.7% to 3.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort will increase by 132 people (43%), rising from 304 to 437. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting Camden's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.