Cheltenham (NSW)

Cheltenham is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Cheltenham's population is estimated at around 2,344 people. This reflects an increase of 178 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,166 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,314 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validation of 15 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,420 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cheltenham's population growth rate of 8.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.7%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Cheltenham are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 15 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, particularly in the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 76 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cheltenham according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Between FY21 and FY25, Cheltenham recorded approximately 63 residential property approvals. In FY26 up to present, around 4 properties have been approved. On average, about 0.6 new residents arrive annually per new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $599,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26 up to present, Cheltenham has registered approximately $8.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cheltenham records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and places among the 77th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

New development consists of 77.0% standalone homes and 23.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. This represents a notable shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 153 people per dwelling approval, Cheltenham exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, with population projections showing stability or decline, Cheltenham should experience reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Cheltenham 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 eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Keynote Residences Beecroft, Federal Road Safety Program - Beecroft Road Safety Improvements, The Cambridge Retirement Village, and Senso Epping. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Cheltenham rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cheltenham has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 12.3%. The unemployment rate in Cheltenham is below Greater Sydney's, at 3.0% compared to 4.2%, with workforce participation at 62.3%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Education & training shows particularly strong specialization, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 2.5% of Cheltenham's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 5.8%. Employment levels increased by 12.3% and labour force increased by 11.5% in Cheltenham during the year to June 2025, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points in Greater Sydney. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cheltenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.2% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Cheltenham had a median taxpayer income of $69,597 and an average of $106,890 in financial year 2022. This was among the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $78,373 and the average $120,369. In Cheltenham, household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 88th and 99th percentiles according to Census 2021 data. The earnings profile showed that 45.5% of residents earned $4,000 or more weekly, differing from surrounding regions where the dominant segment was $1,500 - $2,999 with 30.9%. A substantial presence of higher earners was evident, with 58.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retained 89.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Cheltenham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Cheltenham's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cheltenham was at 51.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented ones at 8.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,612, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,817. Median weekly rent in Cheltenham was recorded at $695, compared to Sydney metro's $500. Nationally, Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 88.1% of all households, including 52.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 11.9%, with lone person households at 11.8% and group households making up 0.9%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8 people.

Cheltenham shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Cheltenham's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 9.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 8.6% pursuing tertiary education. Cheltenham Girls High School serves as the area's anchor educational institution, catering to 1,407 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1139). Secondary education dominates with one school in the area, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. Cheltenham functions as an education hub, offering 60.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.5, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Cheltenham has 13 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together facilitate 2,408 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 227 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 344 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 185 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cheltenham's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% (1,618 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 62.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.1 and 6.5% respectively. 75.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 78.1%. As of 2021, 20.5% (480 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 17.2%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Cheltenham has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.5% of its population born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Cheltenham, comprising 49.4% of the population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.7% of Cheltenham's population versus the regional average of 4.6%.

The top three ancestry groups in Cheltenham are English (20.2%), Australian (19.0%), and Chinese (18.1%), which is lower than the regional average of 24.9%. Notably, Russian (0.8% vs 0.4%) and Korean (1.2% vs 5.4%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Cheltenham compared to Greater Sydney, while South African representation is also higher at 0.9% versus the regional average of 0.4%.

Cheltenham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Cheltenham is 46 years, which is notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Cheltenham at 16.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 15.1% to 16.8% of Cheltenham's population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 6.2% to 5.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cheltenham. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 61 people (39%), from 159 to 221 individuals. This expansion reflects an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.