Carlingford

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Carlingford's population was estimated at around 30,260 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,216 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 28,044. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 29,704 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 376 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,547 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carlingford's growth of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 7.8%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilises 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 years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends and aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 4,248 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.2% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Carlingford among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Carlingford shows around 274 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,371 homes. So far in FY-26349 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a stable supply-demand match. The average construction value of new properties is $1,040,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment.

This year, commercial approvals worth $1.4 million have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. New development consists of 16.0% detached houses and 84.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 58.0% houses. With around 111 people per dwelling approval, Carlingford exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Carlingford is projected to add 3,692 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 25 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include the upgrade of Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School, The Carling by Meriton, upgrades to Pennant Hills Road and North Rocks Road, and development plans for Carlingford Precinct public domain and parklands. Below is a list detailing 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.

Employment conditions in Carlingford demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Carlingford has a highly educated workforce with the technology sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in December 2025, which is lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 16,706 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Greater Sydney's rate and workforce participation similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicated that 51.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

However, construction was under-represented at 7.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3% and labour force increased by 4.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Carlingford. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Carlingford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Carlingford suburb is $48,999 and average income is $68,200. These figures differ from Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $53,340 and average $74,243, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census figures from 2021 rank household income at the 71st percentile ($2,084 weekly) and personal income at the 47th percentile. Income distribution shows 33.5% earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (10,137 individuals), consistent with broader trends of 30.9%. Notably, 30.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Carlingford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Carlingford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.1% houses and 42.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carlingford was at 31.3%, with the rest mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (33.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Carlingford's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Carlingford features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.4% of all households, including 49.1% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.6%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Carlingford places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Carlingford's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.5% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. University graduates make up the largest group at 30.5%, followed by postgraduates (15.4%) and graduate diploma holders (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0%, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 11.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.6% currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.0% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 6.8% in tertiary education.

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

Carlingford has 181 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are covered by 72 routes providing a total of 4,269 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 142 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. The dominant mode of transport is car at 81%, followed by train at 9% and bus at 7%. Carlingford has an average vehicle ownership of 1.4 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 609 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Carlingford's health outcomes data shows exceptional results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions have a very low prevalence across all age groups.

Private health cover is found to be relatively high at approximately 54% of the total population, around 16,310 people, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 4.8 and 4.7% of residents respectively. 79.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Carlingford has 18.5% of its population aged 65 and over, totaling around 5,598 people, which is greater than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Carlingford has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 56.8% born overseas and 66.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 40.1%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 6.2% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (35.5%), Other (14.6%), and English (10.8%). Notably, Korean (6.0%) and Indian (5.3%) groups are also overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 3.6%, respectively.

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

The median age in Carlingford is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, Carlingford has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 years (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (10.4%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 65 to 74 years increased from 8.8% to 9.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 years decreased from 11.5% to 10.4%. By 2041, Carlingford's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 years is projected to grow by 53%, reaching 2,830 from 1,845. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 55% of the projected growth. However, population declines are projected for the age groups 0 to 4 years and 5 to 14 years.