Dulwich Hill

Dulwich Hill 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 May 2026, the estimated population of Dulwich Hill is around 14,693, reflecting a growth of 647 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 4.6% change from the previous population figure of 14,046. The latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and validation of new addresses by AreaSearch contribute to this estimation. Dulwich Hill's population density stands at 6,930 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% of locations assessed nationwide. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 73.0% of Dulwich Hill's overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data.

Applying these projections, Dulwich Hill is expected to grow by 222 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.5% over the 16-year period.

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

Dulwich Hill has recorded approximately 26 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 130 homes. As of July 2021119 approvals have been recorded for the current financial year 2021-22. The population has declined in recent years, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $443,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In the current financial year, there have been $4.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Recent construction comprises 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 29.0% houses). This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Dulwich Hill has an estimated population density of around 2083 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb is expected to grow by 222 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include JF Laxton Reserve Upgrade, Cooks to Cove GreenWay, Sydney Metro Sydenham to Bankstown Conversion, and Marrickville Station Metro Upgrade. The following list details those 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.

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

Dulwich Hill has an educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 9,008 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.0% above Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 73.3%, close to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses show 58.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Dulwich Hill specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has limited presence at 5.6%, compared to 8.6% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by its Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 2.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dulwich Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Dulwich Hill had a median taxpayer income of $66,520 and an average of $86,972 in the financial year 2023. These figures are higher than national levels of $60,817 and Greater Sydney's $83,023 respectively. By March 2026, estimated median income is $73,385 and average is $95,948 based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates individual earnings in Dulwich Hill are at the 88th percentile nationally, with weekly earnings of $1,157. Income analysis reveals 32.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,833 individuals), similar to the broader area where 30.9% fall within this range. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 32.2% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 18.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. Dulwich Hill's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Dulwich Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 28.9% houses and 71.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Dulwich Hill was recorded at 25.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (46.9%). As of the latest data from June 2021, the median monthly mortgage repayment in Dulwich Hill was $2,500, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $470. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area's median monthly mortgage repayment and median weekly rent were recorded as $2,427 and $470 respectively during the same period. Nationally, Dulwich Hill's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 as per the latest data from June 2021.

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

Family households constitute 59.1% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.9%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 6.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Dulwich Hill's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than national averages. 49.4% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary, 7.5% in tertiary, and 6.5% in secondary education.

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

Dulwich Hill has 60 operational public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 27 different routes, collectively facilitating 8,547 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically living 139 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward. Cars remain dominant at 64%, followed by train at 15% and bus at 8%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.6, below regional average.

In 2021 Census data, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions, 58.7% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 1,221 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 142 weekly trips per individual stop.

Dulwich Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Dulwich Hill shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at 61%, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are mental health issues (10.9%) and asthma (8.3%). A majority, 69%, report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Dulwich Hill has 14% seniors (2,057 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings.

Dulwich Hill was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dulwich Hill's population showed high cultural diversity, with 33.7% born overseas and 29.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dulwich Hill, accounting for 40.9% of its population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.4% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (20.5%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (13.4%). Notably, Hungarian (0.5%) and Greek (5.0%) were overrepresented in Dulwich Hill compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 1.9%, respectively.

Dulwich Hill's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Dulwich Hill is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dulwich Hill has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (19.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 17.2% to 18.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.8% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.9%. By 2041, Dulwich Hill's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 95%, reaching 545 people from 279. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 80% of the projected growth. However, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.