Cartwright

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

As of Nov 2025, Cartwright's population is estimated at around 2,838 people, reflecting an increase of 222 individuals since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.5% rise from the previous population count of 2,616 persons. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,819 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 2,956 persons per square kilometer for Cartwright (SA2), placing it within the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth rate of 8.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 7.6%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for Cartwright (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Cartwright (SA2) is expected to grow by 557 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.8% in total over the 17-year period. This projection indicates an above median population growth trend for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch.

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

Cartwright has received around 12 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 62 homes, with 12 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodates approximately 2.9 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand supporting property values. The average construction cost of these dwellings is $265,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $506,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Cartwright shows approximately 62% of construction activity per person and ranks in the 54th percentile of assessed areas respectively. Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets.

With around 290 people per approval, Cartwright reflects a transitioning market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 504 residents, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace to accommodate projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Cartwright 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 has identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are M5 Motorway Westbound Upgrade, Avala Apartments Miller, Lurnea Community Hub, and Miller Road Social Housing Development. The following details those likely 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 drivers in Cartwright are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Cartwright's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 19.0% in September 2025.

Employment grew by 7.3% over the past year. In comparison, Greater Sydney had an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Cartwright's workforce participation is lower at 30.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with a share of employment 2.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 7.3%, while unemployment fell by 3.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rise by 0.2%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cartwright's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Cartwright had a median taxpayer income of $43,046 and an average income of $50,483 in the financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, which stood at $60,817 for median income and $83,003 for average income in Greater Sydney during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $46,860 and an average income of around $54,956 in Cartwright. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cartwright were predominantly in the $400 - $799 category, with 26.9% of locals (763 people) falling within this range, unlike other areas where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket was more prevalent at 30.9%. Financial pressure is evident, with 49.6% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is a significant issue, as only 72.8% of income remains after housing costs, ranking Cartwright at the 2nd percentile nationally for this metric.

Cartwright displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Cartwright's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 58.6% houses and 41.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 63.3% houses and 36.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cartwright stood at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.9% and rented ones at 64.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Cartwright was $225, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Cartwright's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Cartwright features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.8% of all households, including 27.6% couples with children, 13.0% couples without children, and 21.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.0.

Cartwright faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (23.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (13.6%), secondary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

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

Cartwright has 11 active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 834 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 184 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 119 trips across all routes, translating to about 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cartwright is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Cartwright faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average. Older age groups experience these issues to an even greater extent. Only approximately 47% of Cartwright's total population (~1,333 people) has private health cover, which is lower than Greater Sydney's 51.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 8.8% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.7%. Conversely, 66.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 76.4% in Greater Sydney. Cartwright has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (388 people), with health outcomes for seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Cartwright has a high level of cultural diversity, with 45.3% of its population born overseas and 58.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cartwright, making up 41.9% of people there. However, Islam is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 22.0% of Cartwright's population versus 17.4%.

The top three ancestry groups in Cartwright are Other at 27.9%, Australian at 18.4%, and English at 13.2%. Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Samoan is overrepresented at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, Lebanese is at 7.7% versus 5.2%, and Vietnamese is also overrepresented at 7.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 3.6%.

Cartwright's population is younger than the national pattern

Cartwright's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group made up 15.4% of Cartwright's population compared to Greater Sydney. However, the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 12.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.3% to 15.0% of the population. By 2041, Cartwright's demographic is projected to change significantly. The 15-24 age cohort is expected to increase by 109 people (26%) from 425 to 535. Meanwhile, the 35-44 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 3% (9 people).