Cardiff (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Cardiff are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Cardiff (NSW) is around 6,520, reflecting an increase of 202 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 6,318 people in the suburb. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,489 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is calculated as 1,263 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cardiff's 3.2% growth rate since the 2021 census surpassed that of the SA3 area (2.9%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas and interstate migration also positive contributors.

AreaSearch's projections for Cardiff are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, using 2021 as the base year. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Cardiff expected to grow by 1,155 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.7% 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 annually recorded around 22 residential properties granted approval. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 111 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, about 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $395,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $13.2 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cardiff shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This level is similarly under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction in Cardiff 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, which is currently 83.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 351 people per dwelling approval, Cardiff shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 1,154 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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects that could impact this area. Notable among these are Vida at 2 Turrug Street Whitebridge, the Glendale City Centre Expansion, the Cardiff Strategic Planning Framework, and Garden Suburb. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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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 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of June 2025, 3,408 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation is 61.0%, comparable to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance (employing 1.3 times the regional level), construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.6% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating ample employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, labour force by 2.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment drop, 0.3% labour force expansion, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth rates varying between sectors. 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.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2022 for financial year 2022, Cardiff's median income among taxpayers is $52,474. The average income in Cardiff during this period was $62,423. This figure is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Cardiff's median income would be approximately $59,091 by September 2025. The average income in Cardiff is estimated to reach around $70,295 by this date. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Cardiff, between the 36th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the predominant cohort in Cardiff spans 34.4% of locals (2,242 people) with an income range of $1,500 - 2,999. This is similar to 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

In Cardiff, as per the most recent Census evaluation, 82.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 17.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cardiff stood at 30.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 31.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Cardiff was $375, similar to both Non-Metro NSW and the national figure.

Cardiff features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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 constitute 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 most common 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 such qualifications - 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, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education. Cardiff's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,311 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1013). School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 20.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.6, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Cardiff has 63 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 28 individual routes, offering a total of 2,664 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 380 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per 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 indicated by data showing high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly lower than the average SA2 area but still covering around 3,366 people.

This compares to a rate of 54.2% in Rest of NSW. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 12.6 and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 60.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.1%, with around 1,114 people, compared to 21.4% in Rest of NSW. 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 its population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which made up 0.8% of Cardiff's population compared to 0.4% across the rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (31.6%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). There were also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.9% compared to 0.8% regionally, Samoan at 0.5% compared to 0.2%, and Polish at 0.8% compared to 0.7%.

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

The median age in Cardiff is 37 years, considerably lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and very close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 16.2% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise a smaller proportion at 8.1%. Since 2021, the percentage of the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.2% to 15.7%, while the percentages for the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups have declined to 8.1% and 9.3% respectively. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase significantly by 410 people (39%), rising from 1,056 to 1,467 individuals. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is projected to decrease by 12 residents.