Dharruk

Dharruk 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 2025 November, Dharruk's population is estimated at approximately 2,758, a decrease of 48 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,806. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,754 residents, based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,934 persons per square kilometer, placing Dharruk in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Natural growth contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Dharruk is projected to increase by 64 persons, reflecting a total gain of 6.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Dharruk is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Dharruk averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 41 homes were approved, with no approvals yet recorded in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buying options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. In FY-26, $4.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dharruk has recorded somewhat elevated construction activity, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, although recent construction activity has eased. Nationally, however, Dharruk's construction level is lower, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints.

Recent construction in Dharruk comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 97.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 5699 people per approval, Dharruk shows characteristics of a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dharruk is projected to add 167 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is expected to have an impact on the area. Notable projects include the First Nations Cultural Hub Mount Druitt, PCYC Mount Druitt Community Facility (Expansion), Tallawong to St Marys (T2SM) Passenger Rail Corridor, and Anglicare Mount Druitt Affordable Housing. The following list details those projects that are likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Dharruk faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Dharruk's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 16.1% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment grew by 6.2% in the same period. As of June 2025, 1,039 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 11.9%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Dharruk was 45.5%, lagging behind Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade.

Employment specialization was high in transport, postal & warehousing (2.2 times the regional level) but low in professional & technical services (2.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%). Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending unspecified, employment increased by 6.2%, labour force by 6.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that over five years, Dharruk's employment should increase by 6.0% and over ten years by 12.8%.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Dharruk had a median income among taxpayers of $45,773 and an average level of $50,443. These figures are below the national average, which is $56,994, and compare to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,545 (median) and $56,804 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes lag at the 7th percentile with $556 weekly income, while household income performs better at the 33rd percentile. Distribution data shows 36.5% of the population, equating to 1,006 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dharruk, with only 82.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

Dharruk's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 80.7% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dharruk stood at 29.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Sydney metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Dharruk was $350, the same as Sydney metro's figure. Nationally, Dharruk's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Dharruk features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.2% of all households, including 37.6% couples with children, 19.6% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for 21.8%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, substantially lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 22.4%. Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.5% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Dawson Public School and Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus serve a total of 877 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 879) and functions as an education hub with 31.8 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 18.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Dharruk shows that there are 17 active transport stops currently operating. All these stops service buses only. These stops are covered by 13 different routes, which together facilitate 1,567 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents usually located 165 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 223 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dharruk is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Dharruk faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Only approximately 47% (~1294 people) of Dharruk's total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.4% and 7.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.2% across Greater Sydney. Dharruk has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.9% (466 people) than Greater Sydney's 13.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Dharruk require more attention than the broader population.

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

Dharruk has significant cultural diversity, with 39.5% of its population born overseas and 40.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dharruk, comprising 56.1% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 14.7% of Dharruk's population versus 13.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.6%), Australian (19.4%), and English (16.4%). Notably, Samoan, Filipino, and Maltese ethnicities have different representations compared to regional averages: Samoan is 4.0% in Dharruk versus 3.6%, Filipino is 3.3% versus 10.3%, and Maltese is 1.5% versus 1.7%.

Dharruk's population is younger than the national pattern

Dharruk's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.4% of Dharruk's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. However, the 25-34 cohort makes up only 12.4%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Dharruk. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 64 people (50%) from 129 to 194. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.