Como (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Como reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Como (NSW) is around 4,207. This figure reflects an increase of 154 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,053. The current resident population estimate of 4,203 by AreaSearch, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional new address since the Census date, suggests this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 2,629 persons per square kilometer, placing Como in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 3.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.1%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to increase by 157 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall increase of 3.6% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Como, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Como has recorded approximately 2 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 13 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26 to date.

This results in an average of about 2.9 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over these years, indicating strong demand which supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $548,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Sydney, Como records significantly lower building activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has increased in recent years. This level is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises approximately 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options to create a mix of housing opportunities across price brackets.

Currently, Como has around 1034 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Como's population to grow by approximately 153 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to meet population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to affect the area. Notable projects include M6 Stage 2, Oatley to Como Walkway Upgrade, Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line, and Bexley North & Como Station Accessibility Upgrades. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Como shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Como has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,314 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 71.9%, close to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high 58.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, education & training, and health care & social assistance sectors.

The area shows significant specialization in public administration & safety (1.4 times the regional level) but has a lower share in health care & social assistance (10.8% vs 14.1%). Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population count compared to resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment grew by 0.3%, labour force increased by 0.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points, differing from Greater Sydney's growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Como's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

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

Como's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $71,850 and average income stands at $97,172, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,265 (median) and $107,200 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Como, between the 88th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 36.5% of locals (1,535 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 52.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Como's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 91.3% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Como stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.1% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Como was $590, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Como's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 86.4% of all households, including 53.5% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.6%, with lone person households at 12.5% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Como demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Como's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications, at 40.8%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.1% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 18.8%. Educational participation is high, with 33.7% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.0% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 5.7% in tertiary education.

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

Como has 17 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by six routes, facilitating 1,551 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest transport stop for residents is 189 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 84%, with trains used by 12% of residents. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 58.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 221 trips per day, equating to approximately 91 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Como's health outcomes data shows exceptional results, with AreaSearch's assessment revealing very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 65% of the total population (2,744 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.9 and 6.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 74.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (626 people), with health outcomes among seniors ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

Como ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Como's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.4% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Como, comprising 54.9% of people. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.3% of the population compared to Greater Sydney's average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.5%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.9%). These percentages exceed their respective regional averages: English by 10.5%, Australian by 9%, and Irish by 0.9%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation in Como include Welsh at 0.7% (vs regional average of 0.4%) and South Australian at 0.7% (vs regional average of 0.5%). Additionally, Macedonian ancestry is present at 0.3%, slightly below the regional average of 0.4%.

Como's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Como has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing Como's demographics with those of Greater Sydney, the 5-14 age group is notably over-represented at 15.8%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.9% of Como's population, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 3.8% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 16.9% to 15.8%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Como's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 119 people (149%), rising from 79 to 199. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.