Chippendale

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Chippendale's population is estimated at around 9,511 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,708 people (21.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,803 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,490, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 20,676 persons per square kilometer, placing Chippendale (SA2) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 21.9% growth since the 2021 Census exceeded the state's growth rate of 7.6%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 95.0% 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. Looking ahead, Chippendale (SA2) is predicted to experience exceptional growth over the period, expanding by 4,843 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 50.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Chippendale has around 28 residential properties granted approval per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 143 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded so far. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 3.1 people moving to the area annually between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $120,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY-26, $62,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chippendale shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 5th percentile nationally when measured against areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings.

This activity is also lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Chippendale will gain 4,822 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include The Post House, University of Sydney Darlington Terraces Redevelopment, UTS National First Nations College, and Atlassian Central, with subsequent details focusing on those most pertinent.

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

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The employment landscape in Chippendale shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Chippendale has a highly educated workforce, particularly in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 5,836 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% above Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is 63.0%. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, accommodation & food, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly concentrated, at 1.8 times the regional average.

Construction employs only 3.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and 2025, Chippendale's labour force decreased by 1.3%, with employment down by 1.0%, leading to a unemployment rate drop of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chippendale's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Chippendale is $47,408, with an average of $68,064, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income is approximately $51,608 as of September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. According to the 2021 Census, Chippendale's personal income ranks at the 64th percentile ($882 weekly), with household income at the 41st percentile. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 30.6% of Chippendale's community (2,910 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 70.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Chippendale features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Chippendale's dwelling structure, according to the latest Census, consisted of 0.1% houses and 100.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chippendale stood at 9.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.1% and rented ones at 77.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,409, below Sydney metro's average of $2,705. The median weekly rent in Chippendale was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, Chippendale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,409 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 37.9% of all households, including 5.1% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 2.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 62.1%, with lone person households at 46.2% and group households comprising 16.0%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 1.9.

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

Chippendale's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 63.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 40.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%).

Vocational pathways account for 15.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 5.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 46.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 32.6% in tertiary education, 1.3% in primary education, and 1.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Chippendale has nine active public transport stops operating currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 42 different ones. Together, these routes facilitate 12,559 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 143 meters from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 1,794 trips per day, which equates to approximately 1395 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Chippendale shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,121 people), higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 68.5%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Chippendale, affecting 7.7% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority (84.4%) report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.4% across Greater Sydney. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 3.6% (342 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 9.7%. Health outcomes among Chippendale's senior residents are strong and largely align with the general population's health profile.

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

Chippendale has a population where 57.3% speak a language other than English at home, and 67.3% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chippendale with 21.0%. Buddhism is notably higher here compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 10.3% versus 7.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese make up 29.9%, Other 17.6%, and English 13.3%. The Chinese figure is significantly higher than the regional average of 13.0%. Spanish (1.1%), Korean (1.8%), and French (0.9%) are also notably present compared to regional averages.

Chippendale hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Chippendale's median age was recorded as 28 in the census, which is lower than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicated that those aged 25-34 were most prominent at 39.2%, while those aged 5-14 made up only 1.4% of the population, which is smaller than in Greater Sydney. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-census data showed that the 15 to 24 age group had increased from 28.9% to 30.7%, while the 55 to 64 cohort had decreased from 4.4% to 3.7%. By 2041, significant shifts in Chippendale's age composition are expected. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 1,530 people (264%) from 580 to 2,111. Conversely, the number of those aged 25 to 34 is expected to fall by 909.