Canley Heights

Population growth drivers in Canley Heights are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Canley Heights statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 13,270 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 950 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,320. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 12,792 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,123 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area at 4.3% and the state level, marking Canley Heights as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for the Canley Heights (SA2), expecting an increase of 1,600 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Canley Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Canley Heights has seen approximately 69 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, around 349 homes were approved, with an additional 29 approved in FY-26 so far. This suggests that new supply has likely been keeping pace with demand despite population decline, offering buyers good choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $349,000. In terms of commercial development, $94.4 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Canley Heights has shown slightly more development activity, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balance supports both buyer choice and current property values, although construction activity has eased recently. New building activity shows a shift towards compact living, with 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% townhouses or apartments.

This trend offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. It also reflects the decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse housing options. The location currently has approximately 301 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Canley Heights is expected to grow by 741 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Canley Heights and Canley Vale Special Entertainment Precincts, Canley Vale High School Upgrade, 37-45 Arbutus Street Development, and 19-25 Ascot Street Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Canley Heights shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Canley Heights has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.6%.

As of September 2025, 5,423 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Sydney's at 1.3%, and workforce participation is lower at 43.0%. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 5.2% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 5.6%, while labour force grew by 4.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment growth was 2.1% and unemployment rose slightly. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, but the state's unemployment rate is favourable at 3.9%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Canley Heights' employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Canley Heights' median income among taxpayers is $41,063, with an average of $48,980. This is lower than the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,701 (median) and $53,320 (average). Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes lag at the 2nd percentile ($481 weekly), while household income performs better at the 34th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (4,206 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

Canley Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Canley Heights, as per the latest Census, 77.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan's figures of 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Canley Heights stood at 30.5%, lower than Sydney metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 28.8%, with rented properties making up 40.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Sydney metro average. Median weekly rent in Canley Heights was $400, matching Sydney metro's figure. Nationally, Canley Heights' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Canley Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.8 percent of all households, including 42.8 percent composed of couples with children, 14.7 percent consisting of couples without children, and 22.8 percent being single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.2 percent, with lone person households at 14.9 percent and group households comprising 2.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 3.2.

Canley Heights faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.7%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 13.2%. Educational participation is high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in secondary education, 9.3% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that Canley Heights has 38 active transport stops in operation, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 18 different routes, collectively providing 962 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 209 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 137 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Canley Heights's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows Canley Heights has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover rate is approximately 46%, impacting around 6,154 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (5.7%) and arthritis (5.0%). About 79.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 75.6%. Canley Heights has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.2%, or 2,149 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 19.0%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Canley Heights is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Canley Heights has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 60.7% of its residents born overseas and 80.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Canley Heights is Buddhism, practiced by 40.5% of its population, compared to 21.7% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Vietnamese (34.9%), Other (20.4%), and Chinese (19.6%).

These figures differ significantly from regional averages: Vietnamese is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, Other is notably lower at 32.7%, and Chinese is substantially higher at 12.0%. There are also notable differences in the representation of Serbian, Samoan, and Macedonian groups compared to regional averages.

Canley Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Canley Heights has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and being comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 16.2% of Canley Heights' population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 11.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.9%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 12.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Canley Heights' age structure. Notably, the 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 80%, reaching 1,121 people from 623. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 85% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see population declines.