Dundas (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Dundas are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Dundas (NSW) is around 5,611, reflecting a 13.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,959 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,265 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 60 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio of 4,036 persons per square kilometer places Dundas in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Dundas's growth rate exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney figures since the 2021 Census, marking it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year for areas not covered by this data.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Dundas is predicted to grow exceptionally over the period, with an expected increase of 3,731 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 61.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Dundas among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Dundas shows approximately 51 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 256 homes were approved, with a further 65 approved by the end of FY-26. On average, each new home accommodates about 1.6 new residents per year over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.

The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $476,000, suggesting developers target premium market segments with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $5.1 million, reflecting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dundas maintains similar construction rates per capita, preserving market equilibrium. Recent construction comprises 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition of 52.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With around 102 people per dwelling approval, Dundas exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Dundas will grow by approximately 3,423 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Dundas 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 local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Melrose Central, Melrose Park High School, Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct, and the 25 Station Street Childcare Facility. The following list provides details on those projects considered 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 Dundas shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Dundas has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 2,993 residents are employed, matching Greater Sydney's 4.2% unemployment rate and 70.0% workforce participation.

Notably, 44.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. However, professional & technical services employ only 8.2% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Between September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force by 3.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points.

In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force by 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dundas' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Dundas was $50,708 in financial year 2023. The average income was $65,131. This is lower than the national average of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively for Greater Sydney. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median incomes will be approximately $55,201 and averages around $70,902. According to Census 2021 data, household income ranks at the 63rd percentile with weekly earnings of $1,962, while personal income is at the 41st percentile. The majority of Dundas residents, 35.7%, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, which is also prominent in the broader area at 30.9%. Housing costs consume 18.8% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 59th percentile. The SEIFA income ranking places Dundas in the 7th decile.

Dundas displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dundas, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 52.1% houses and 47.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dundas was at 26.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented dwellings at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Dundas was $2,500, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Dundas was recorded at $428, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Dundas's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.1% of all households, consisting of 43.8% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 36.6%, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 17.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dundas has 27 active public transport stops serving a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are covered by 28 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,798 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents typically residing 133 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 83%, while train and bus usage stands at 7% and 6% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 685 trips per day, translating to approximately 177 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Dundas, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,956 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 5.2% and 5.2% of residents respectively. 78.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Dundas has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (807 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings in line with the general population.

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

Dundas has a high level of cultural diversity, with 47.3% of its population born overseas and 52.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dundas, comprising 52.2% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' constitutes 4.8% of Dundas's population, which is higher compared to Greater Sydney's average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the most represented group in Dundas at 19.8%, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%. English and Australian are also prominent, comprising 15.1% and 14.0% respectively. Some ethnic groups show notable variations: Korean is overrepresented at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 1.1%, Lebanese stands at 2.5% (similar to the regional average of 2.6%), and Hungarian is slightly higher at 0.4% compared to 0.3% regionally.

Dundas's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dundas has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group is notably strong at 16.9%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.3%. Between 2021 and present day, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.6% to 8.6% of Dundas's population. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.8% to 5.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Dundas's age structure, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,250 people from its current total of 735.