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 Canley Heights, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS updates and validated addresses, is around 12,740 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 420 people from the 2021 Census figure of 12,320. The latest estimate, 12,614 residents, was derived by AreaSearch following analysis of ABS's June 2024 ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 4,918 persons per square kilometer, placing Canley Heights within the top 10% nationally for population density. Canley Heights' growth rate of 3.4% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA3 area at 2.2%, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch's projections for Canley Heights are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government SA2-level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Canley Heights is projected to have above median population growth, increasing by 1,598 persons to reach a total of around 14,338 residents by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of approximately 10.0% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Canley Heights has recorded approximately 66 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 331 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY-26 to date. The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

Average construction value for new properties is $349,000, below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $78.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Canley Heights shows moderately higher construction activity (15.0% above the regional average per person over the 5-year period), supporting buyer choice and existing property values, though recent development activity has moderated. New developments consist of 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 78.0% houses, likely due to decreasing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 247 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

Population forecasts suggest Canley Heights will gain 1,269 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 17 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are the Canley Heights and Canley Vale Special Entertainment Precincts, the upgrade of Canley Vale High School, the development at 37-45 Arbutus Street, and the development at 19-25 Ascot Street. The following list provides details on those projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Canley Heights recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Canley Heights has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of June 2025, which is 1.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Canley Heights is lower at 43.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries among residents are manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 11.5% regionally.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.9%, while the labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.6% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Canley Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Canley Heights' median income among taxpayers was $41,063 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $48,980 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Canley Heights would be approximately $46,241 (median) and $55,156 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows individual incomes lag at the 2nd percentile ($481 weekly), while household income performs better at the 34th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 31.7% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.1% of income remaining, 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 while 22.5% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs slightly from Sydney metro's breakdown of 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Canley Heights stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented ones at 40.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $400, similar to Sydney metro's figures. 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 constitute 82.8% of all households, including 42.8% couples with children, 14.7% couples without children, and 22.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 17.2%, with lone person households at 14.9% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 3.4 people, 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 faces educational challenges with university qualification rates substantially lower at 16.5% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are 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. Canley Heights Public School serves the area with an enrollment of 528 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 4.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Analysis of public transport in Canley Heights shows 32 operational stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 18 different routes, together offering 939 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good, with residents usually located 210 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 134 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to roughly 29 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 excellent results across Canley Heights, 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 (around 5,908 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.7% and 5.0% of residents respectively. A total of 79.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the Greater Sydney average of 75.6%. Canley Heights has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.2%, with approximately 2,063 people in this age group compared to Greater Sydney's 19.0%. The health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong and align broadly with the general population's health 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 a population where 60.7% were born overseas, with 80.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Buddhism, practiced by 40.5%, compared to 21.7% in Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Vietnamese (34.9%), Other (20.4%), and Chinese (19.6%).

These figures differ from regional averages: Vietnamese is higher than the regional average of 17.8%, Other is lower at 32.7%, and Chinese is higher at 12.0%. Notably, Serbian, Samoan, and Macedonian ethnic groups are overrepresented in Canley Heights compared to Greater Sydney (Serbian: 1.1% vs 1.8%; Samoan: 1.4% vs 1.0%; Macedonian: 0.5% vs 0.7%).

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

Canley Heights has a median age of 37, which matches Greater Sydney's figure and is 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 to 74 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.9%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Canley Heights' age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 87%, reaching 1,120 people from the current figure of 598. This growth will contribute significantly to the overall increase in the 65+ population, which is expected to comprise 71% of Canley Heights' projected growth. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.