Cardiff (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Cardiff are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation, the population of the suburb of Cardiff (NSW) was estimated to be around 7,014 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 696 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,318 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,000 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 1,359 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cardiff's growth of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.2%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expected to grow by 1,089 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.3% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Cardiff when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cardiff has recorded approximately 22 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 111 homes were approved in Cardiff, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.3 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes in Cardiff is around $395,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $3.5 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered in the area, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cardiff shows 18.0% lower construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed, which is below the national average, indicating an established area potentially facing planning limitations.

Recent construction in Cardiff comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift towards more attached housing types to offer choices across various price ranges. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix of 83.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 284 people per dwelling approval, Cardiff shows signs of a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add around 1,075 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially exacerbating buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Glendale City Centre Expansion, Vida - 2 Turrug Street Whitebridge, Cardiff Strategic Planning Framework, and Garden Suburb. The following list details those expected to be 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.

The employment landscape in Cardiff shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Cardiff has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%. As of December 2025, there are 3,680 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is 0.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Cardiff is 66.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 21.4% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.6%, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.

There is a ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, indicating ample employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force increased by 3.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cardiff's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that the median income among taxpayers in Cardiff is $52,474, with an average of $62,423. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $57,889 (median) and $68,865 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that Cardiff's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 36th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that 34.4% of locals (2,412 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cardiff, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

Cardiff's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Regional NSW's composition of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cardiff was at 30.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 31.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $375, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Cardiff's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

Cardiff features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.7% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional NSW average.

Educational attainment in Cardiff aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.7%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.4% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cardiff has 78 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 routes, collectively facilitating 2,740 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 170 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 93%, despite an average vehicle ownership of 1.3 per dwelling below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 21.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 391 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cardiff is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cardiff faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 3,622 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 12.6% of residents and arthritis impacting 9.4%. Conversely, 60.2% of residents report no medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,234 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

Cardiff is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cardiff's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.8% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Cardiff, comprising 49.9% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 0.8% of Cardiff's population compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.6%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9% in Cardiff versus 0.5% regionally, Samoan at 0.5% versus 0.1%, and Polish at 0.8% versus 0.5%.

Cardiff's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Cardiff is 37 years, significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are notably prominent, comprising 16.1% of the population, while those aged 65-74 make up a smaller proportion at 8.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 35-44 has increased from 14.2% to 15.7%, while the 55-64 age group has decreased from 10.5% to 9.4% and the 65-74 age group has fallen from 9.5% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Cardiff's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 376 people (33%), rising from 1,129 to 1,506. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.