Cardiff (NSW)

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

The population of the suburb of Cardiff (NSW) is estimated to be around 6,685 as of February 2026. 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. The suburb's growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area at 4.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Future population trends project an above median growth of national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,140 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a 15.3% increase in total 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows that Cardiff has recorded approximately 22 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 111 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these past five financial years.

This suggests solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $395,000, which is moderately above regional levels and indicates 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 its 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. Future projections show Cardiff adding approximately 1,021 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. 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.

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

Cardiff has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of December 2024. Over the past year, there was relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 3,359 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.0%. Workforce participation is 64.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses in 2026, 21.4% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance has an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.6% of Cardiff's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force increased by 1.2%, while employment decreased by 0.5%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Cardiff has a median taxpayer income of $52,474 and an average income of $62,423 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,123 (median) and $67,954 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Cardiff rank modestly, between the 36th and 44th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 34.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,299 residents), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort also represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cardiff, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Dwelling structure in Cardiff, as per the latest Census, comprised 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, it was also 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 was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent 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 comprise 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, matching 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 operating within its boundaries. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 28 individual routes in total, collectively facilitating 2,740 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 21.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 52% of the total population (~3,452 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 12.6 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Only 60.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,143 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes 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 population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 89.0% having been born in Australia, and the majority were citizens, at 91.8%. English was spoken exclusively at home by 93.8% of residents. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 49.9% of Cardiff's population.

The 'Other' religious category comprised 0.8%, which is similar to the regional NSW average. In terms of ancestry, Australian heritage was most prevalent at 31.6%, followed by English at 29.9%, and Scottish at 8.3%. Notably, Welsh heritage was overrepresented in Cardiff at 0.9% compared to 0.5% regionally, as were Samoan (0.5% vs 0.1%) and Polish (0.8% vs 0.5%) heritages.

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

The median age in Cardiff is 37 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up 16.8% of the population, while those aged 65-74 constitute 8.1%. Between 2021 and present day, the median age has decreased by 1 year from 38 to 37 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 35-44 age group grew from 14.2% to 16.0%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 15.3% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 10.5% to 9.1%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Cardiff. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 31% (352 people), reaching 1,476 from 1,123. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.