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

The population of the Dharruk statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,874 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 68 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 2,806. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,808 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,057 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Dharruk's growth rate of 2.4% since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with the Dharruk (SA2) expected to increase by 68 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Dharruk has averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 41 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. Over these past five financial years, on average, no people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $206,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, $150,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dharruk has seen somewhat elevated construction activity over the past five years, with 12.0% more approvals per person than the regional average.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, this activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development in Dharruk consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 211 people per approval, Dharruk reflects a low-density area. Future projections estimate that Dharruk will add approximately 55 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region: First Nations Cultural Hub Mount Druitt. Other notable projects include PCYC Mount Druitt Community Facility expansion, Tallawong to St Marys passenger rail corridor development, and Anglicare Mount Druitt affordable housing initiative.

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 has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 15.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,021 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 10.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Dharruk lags at 45.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail trade. The area specializes strongly in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 2.9% of Dharruk's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 7.0% while the labour force grew by 4.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising slightly. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dharruk's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Dharruk for financial year 2023 is $45,773. The average income is $50,443. These figures are based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. In comparison, Greater Sydney's median income is $60,817 and average income is $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,828 (median) and $54,912 (average), accounting for an 8.86% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to census data, individual incomes lag at the 7th percentile with a weekly income of $556, while household income performs better at the 33rd percentile. Income analysis shows that 36.5% of Dharruk residents (1,049 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring the broader area where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dharruk, with only 82.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 97.4% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 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, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Dharruk was $350, matching Sydney metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Dharruk's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 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%, significantly 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 prevalent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (22.4%). Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.5% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active stops operating within Dharruk, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,653 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 165 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 236 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 82 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 different age groups but particularly high among older cohorts. Approximately 47% of Dharruk's total population (~1,349 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

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 Dharruk's residents declare 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 16.8% (482 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 13.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Dharruk require more attention than the broader population due to presenting challenges.

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

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.6%), Australian (19.4%), and English (16.4%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Samoan is overrepresented at 4.0%, Filipino underrepresented at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 10.3%, and Maltese slightly underrepresented at 1.5%.

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 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 15.4% of Dharruk's population compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. The 25-34 cohort makes up 12.4% of Dharruk's population, which is less prevalent than in Greater Sydney. Between the period of 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.7%, while the 75-84 cohort grew from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Dharruk. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 58 people (44%) from 135 to 194. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 90% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25-34 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.