Canterbury (NSW)

Canterbury lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Canterbury (NSW) statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, is approximately 10,249 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 819 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,430. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 10,147 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,176 persons per square kilometer, placing Canterbury (NSW) among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded the state average of 7.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Canterbury's (NSW) growth.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilizes 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Canterbury (NSW) (SA2) is expected to increase by approximately 1,253 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 10.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Canterbury recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Canterbury averaged around 34 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 172 homes. As of FY-26 to date, 11 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 5.3 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. The supply of new dwellings is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new homes is $439,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $8.3 million, indicating limited commercial development focus. Recent construction comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location has approximately 1433 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established market. Population forecasts indicate Canterbury will gain 1,105 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Sydney Metro City & Southwest, Canterbury Leisure & Aquatic Centre, 186-206 Canterbury Road Mixed-Use Development, and Canterbury Local Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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.

Canterbury has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Canterbury has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 5,935 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Canterbury is broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area has a notable specialization in accommodation & food services, employing 1.5 times more people than the regional level on average.

Conversely, construction employs only 6.8% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force increased by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points in Canterbury. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from NSW shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Canterbury's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Canterbury had a median taxpayer income of $50,514 and an average of $65,616 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is just below the national average, which contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,990 (median) and $71,430 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Canterbury cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 38.0% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (3,894 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 20.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 53rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Canterbury features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living

Canterbury's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 29.3% houses and 70.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Home ownership stood at 21.4%, with 29.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 49.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, and the median weekly rent was $470. Nationally, Canterbury's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Canterbury features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households comprise 68.7% of all households, including 28.4% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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

Educational attainment in Canterbury is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 42.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This includes 28.2% with bachelor degrees, 12.1% with postgraduate qualifications, and 2.4% with graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.2% of residents holding such qualifications, including 11.7% with advanced diplomas and 13.5% with certificates.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in tertiary education, 6.9% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Canterbury shows that there are 66 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 35 individual routes providing service. Each week, these routes facilitate 4,159 passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the region is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 136 meters from their nearest transport stop. On a daily basis, there are an average of 594 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Canterbury shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Private health cover is at approximately 53%, higher than the average SA2 area (~5,420 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 6.0% and 5.0% respectively. Around 79.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. The area has 11.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,209 people). Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Canterbury has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 60.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Canterbury, making up 43.8% of people. However, Buddhism stands out as significantly overrepresented, comprising 8.4% of the population compared to none across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other at 24.1%, Chinese at 14.0%, and English at 11.1%. Notably, Greek is overrepresented at 6.4% in Canterbury (compared to none regionally), Vietnamese at 4.5%, and Lebanese at 3.8%.

Canterbury hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Canterbury's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Canterbury has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (23.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.3% to 12.2%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 24.7% to 23.3%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Canterbury's population. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 24%, adding 284 residents to reach a total of 1,463. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to decline.