Camden

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, the Camden statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 3,402 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 24 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,378. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,285 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 747 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth for the area, contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. 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 Camden (SA2) is expected to increase by 231 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.3% in total over the 17-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 received around 10 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 54 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded. The average new resident arrival per new home over these years is zero, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand and supports buyer choice while potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections. The average construction value for new homes in the area is $815,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

In FY26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Camden has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 40th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. Recent construction comprises 64% standalone homes and 36% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. The estimated population density is 409 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment.

Future projections estimate Camden will add 113 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand and facilitate potential population growth beyond current projections.

Camden has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact the region. 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 likely to be 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 of employment trends sees Camden performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Camden has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1% in the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,948 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 56.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

In contrast, finance & insurance employs only 2.0% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 7.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1% and unemployment increased by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Camden. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Camden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Camden's median income was $51,511 and average income was $63,147. This is lower than Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. By September 2025, with an 8.86% increase based on the Wage Price Index, Camden's estimated median income would be approximately $56,075 and average income $68,742. The 2021 Census ranks Camden's personal income at the 61st percentile ($865 weekly) and household income at the 44th percentile. Income brackets indicate 32.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. Camden's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Camden's dwellings, 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 92.7% houses and 7.3% 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, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,383. The median weekly rent in Camden was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $480. Nationally, Camden's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,143 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 compared to 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 make up the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.0.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 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, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (28.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.2%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (4.6%).

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active stops operating in Camden, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 78 distinct routes, offering a total of 1,945 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 277 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Camden is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Camden faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, which is slightly lower than the average for SA2 areas (56.7% in Greater Sydney). This translates to about 1,766 people having private health cover in Camden. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across Greater Sydney. Camden has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.7% (806 people), than the 12.9% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly consistent with those experienced by the general 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 85.2% born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 68.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 64.3%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.4%), English (29.3%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Maltese (1.1% vs regional 1.8%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.4%), and South African (0.7% vs 0.4%) groups were overrepresented in Camden compared to the region.

Camden hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Camden is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up 9.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 10.5%. From 2021 to present, the proportion of those aged 15-24 has grown from 9.6% to 11.3%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 11.4% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort will increase by 131 people (41%), from 319 to 451. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 85% of total population growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to experience population declines.