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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, the Dundas (NSW) statistical area's estimated population is around 5,612. This reflects a growth of 653 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,959. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,265 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,037 persons per square kilometer, placing Dundas (NSW) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 13.2% growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both state and metropolitan averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are utilised, 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. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Dundas (NSW) area is expected to grow by 3,731 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 61.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Dundas has seen approximately 51 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 256 homes were approved, with an additional 65 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per new home each year over the past five financial years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $476,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $5.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Dundas maintains similar construction rates per person as Greater Sydney, preserving market equilibrium. Recent construction comprises 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium to high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 52.0% houses) reflects 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 3,427 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Melrose Central, Melrose Park High School, Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct, and 25 Station Street Childcare Facility. The following details projects of highest relevance.

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 analysis indicates Dundas maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Dundas has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,988 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is similar to Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is also broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. There is a notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical employs only 8.2% of local workers, which is below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dundas's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not taking into account localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Dundas is $50,708, with an average of $65,131, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, the estimated median taxpayer income in Dundas would be approximately $55,201, with an average of $70,902. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($1,962 weekly), while personal income sits at the 41st percentile. In Dundas, 35.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (2,003 individuals). This is similar to the broader area where 30.9% fall within this earnings band. Housing costs consume 18.8% of income in Dundas, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dundas' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 52.1% houses and 47.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 57.3% houses and 42.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dundas was at 26.9%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, below Sydney metro's average of $2,600. The median weekly rent figure for Dundas was $428, compared to Sydney metro's $460. Nationally, Dundas' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, including 43.8% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households accounting for 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

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 of 36.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are prevalent at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 17.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, 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 offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes that collectively facilitate 4,798 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 133 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 685 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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

Dundas has demonstrated excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover in Dundas is approximately 53%, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 55%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.2% and 5.2% of residents respectively. A total of 78.0% of Dundas residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 77.3% across Greater Sydney. Dundas has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.0%, with only 785 people in this age group compared to Greater Sydney's 16.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Dundas are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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, accounting for 52.2% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 4.8% of Dundas's population, which is higher than the 1.2% average across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups in Dundas are Chinese (19.8%), English (15.1%), and Australian (14.0%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation compared to regional averages: Korean at 7.1% (regional average is 6.5%), Lebanese at 2.5% (regional average is 3.8%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (regional average is 0.2%).

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 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 16.8% of Dundas' population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.0% to 16.8%, whereas the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 6.8% to 5.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Dundas' age structure, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 72%, reaching 1,252 people from its current figure of 729.