Cardiff (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the Cardiff (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 6,685. This reflects an increase of 367 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,318 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,566, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,295 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cardiff's growth of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.0%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,157 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 14.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Cardiff recorded around 22 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 111 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five financial years, approximately 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed, suggesting solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $395,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cardiff shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person while it places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. This is a considerable change from the current housing mix of 83.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 282 people per dwelling approval, Cardiff shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, future projections show Cardiff adding 991 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eleven projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Vida at 2 Turrug Street Whitebridge, Glendale City Centre Expansion, Cardiff Strategic Planning Framework, and Garden Suburb. 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.

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. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 3,417 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cardiff is 61.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.6% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, and labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a decrease in employment by 0.5% and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cardiff's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Cardiff is $52,474. The average income is $62,423. Nationally, incomes are higher than in Cardiff. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Cardiff would be approximately $57,123 and $67,954 respectively, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Cardiff rank modestly, between the 36th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 34.4% of locals (2,299 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, 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 structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cardiff was at 30.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (31.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $375, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. 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 lower-than-average 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 make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.1% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 30.2%. Educational participation is 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 operating within its boundaries. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 28 individual routes that collectively provide 2,740 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 391 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Cardiff, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 52% (~3,452 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 54.4%.

Mental health issues affect 12.6%, arthritis impacts 9.4%, while 60.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in Rest of NSW. The area has 17.1% (1,143 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 21.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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 was the main religion in Cardiff, comprising 49.9% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 0.8% of the population compared to 0.4% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (31.6%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Cardiff compared to the regional average of 0.8%, as were Samoan (0.5% vs 0.2%) and Polish (0.8% vs 0.7%).

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

The median age in Cardiff is 37 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 16.2%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 8.1%. Since 2021, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.2% to 15.7% of the population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 9.5% to 8.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 10.5% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 385 people (36%), reaching 1,468 from an initial 1,082. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.