Camperdown (NSW)

Camperdown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Camperdown (NSW) is estimated to be around 10,673 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 9,381 people, a rise of 1,292 people or approximately 13.8%. The latest resident population estimate of 10,639 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and validation of 46 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7,115 persons per square kilometer, placing Camperdown in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 13.8% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average of 7.8% and that of Greater Sydney. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections forecast significant population growth in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Camperdown expected to increase by 2,790 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 25.8% over these 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Camperdown is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Camperdown averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 58 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to population change.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $713,000, indicating focus on the premium market. In FY26, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. New development comprises 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing.

This mix offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (3.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. Camperdown has approximately 1596 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Camperdown's population will grow by 2756 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of a local area is significantly influenced by changes in its infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 31 such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are the NSW Health Infrastructure Program - Inner West, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Redevelopment, University of Sydney Campus Transformation, and Landcom Camperdown Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Camperdown exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Camperdown has an educated workforce with a notable presence in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 7,237 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% below Greater Sydney's rate.

Workforce participation stands at 75.3%, above Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 59.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Camperdown specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, at 3.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas, with a ratio of 1.5 workers per resident. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.4% while employment declined by 0.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Camperdown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Camperdown had a median income among taxpayers of $77,242 and an average income of $106,656. Nationally, these figures place Camperdown in the top percentile. Compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003, Camperdown's incomes are significantly higher. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $84,086 and $116,106 respectively. The 2021 Census data ranks Camperdown's household, family, and personal incomes between the 85th and 94th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 32.2% of individuals in Camperdown earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, aligning with regional levels where this cohort also represents 30.9%. Economic strength is evident with 38.8% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting high consumer spending. High housing costs consume 21.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Camperdown features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Camperdown's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.1% houses and 96.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Camperdown stood at 14.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.3% and rented ones at 61.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,817, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Camperdown was $570, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Camperdown's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,817 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 47.8% of all households, including 12.3% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 4.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 52.2%, with lone person households at 41.8% and group households comprising 10.5%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Camperdown fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational attainment in Camperdown is notably higher than broader averages. As of 2016, 60.5% of residents aged 15 years and over held university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% statewide in New South Wales (NSW). This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 37.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 19.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%.

Vocational pathways account for 15.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 7.5%. Educational participation is notably high, with 35.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 25.4% in tertiary education, 3.5% in primary education, and 2.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Camperdown has 40 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 36 individual routes, providing 9,991 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 115 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. The dominant mode of transport is car at 44%, followed by walking at 24% and bus at 14%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 59.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,427 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 249 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Camperdown is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Camperdown shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (7,359 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4 and 8.5% of residents respectively. A total of 73.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 7.6% of residents aged 65 and over (811 people), lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Camperdown was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Camperdown had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 22.1% speaking languages other than English at home and 36.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 29.1%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (22.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Other (11.4%). French (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.4%) ethnicities were notably overrepresented.

Camperdown's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Camperdown's median age is 32 years, which is younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Camperdown has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (27.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 19.3% to 24.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 18.1% to 16.7% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Camperdown's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow by 65%, adding 740 residents to reach 1,872. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 1%, adding only 25 residents.