Canley Vale

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Canley Vale statistical area (Lv2) is around 10,959 people. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 10,300 people, marking a growth of 659 individuals or approximately 6.4%. The population estimate for June 2024 was 10,140 residents, based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,766 persons per square kilometer, placing Canley Vale (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.4% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 7.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for the Canley Vale (SA2), with an expected increase of 1,478 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of approximately 9.6% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Canley Vale has averaged around 43 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 218 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. Population decline during this period has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $349,000.

In the current financial year, $45.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Building activity shows 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, with a focus on higher-density living creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Canley Vale reflects a low density area, with approximately 313 people per approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Canley Vale is expected to grow by 1,055 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of a given area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 19 such projects that could potentially impact this particular area. Notable among these are the Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal project, the development of Cabramatta East Town Centre, the Bathla Group's Cabramatta Mixed-Use Development, and the construction of the new Vien Giac Temple. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Canley Vale has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Canley Vale has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.6%.

As of September 2025, there are 4,595 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Canley Vale stands at 42.3%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries among residents include manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 6.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and a slight increase in unemployment. Statewide, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% between November 2024 and November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Canley Vale's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Canley Vale has a lower than average income level nationally according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Canley Vale is $40,567, and the average income stands at $48,397. In comparison, Greater Sydney's figures are $60,817 for median income and $83,003 for average income. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $44,161 for median income and $52,685 for average income as of that date. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household income ranks at the 22nd percentile ($1,330 weekly), while personal income sits at the 2nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 29.2% of locals (3,200 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Canley Vale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Canley Vale, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 53.4% houses and 46.6% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership level in Canley Vale was at 31.2%, with 26.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 42.7% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,694, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $330. Nationally, Canley Vale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Canley Vale has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 3.1 people

Family households comprise 74.6% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 14.4% couples without children, and 20.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 3.1 people.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 19.4%, which is significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of qualification at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational pathways account for 21.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 8.3% and certificates accounting for 13.1%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 6.5% 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 45 active stops in Canley Vale offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 19 routes, serving 4,326 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport access, with an average distance of 190 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 618 trips daily across all routes, or about 96 weekly trips per stop.

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

Canley Vale shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% (~5,057 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.9% and 5.2% of residents respectively. 77.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, a figure significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 0%. The area has an 18.0% senior population (1,972 people), with seniors' health outcomes broadly in line with those of the general population.

Canley Vale 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 Vale has a population where 64.0% were born overseas, with 82.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Buddhism, at 38.6%, compared to None% in Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Vietnamese (32.4%), Chinese (24.2%), and Other (18.8%).

Notably, Serbian (1.1%) Russian (0.8%) and Samoan (0.8%) ethnicities have higher representation in Canley Vale compared to the regional average of None%.

Canley Vale's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Canley Vale is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented in Canley Vale at 13.3%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 13.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group 65 to 74 has grown from 8.8% to 10.6% of Canley Vale's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Canley Vale. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 84%, reaching 970 people from the current 526. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 79% of this growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are expected to experience population declines.