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 since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,959. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,265 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,036 persons per square kilometer, placing Dundas in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dundas's growth exceeded both state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney averages since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projects future demographic trends using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

By 2041, the suburb of Dundas (NSW) is expected to grow by 3,541 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 56.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates around 49 new homes approved annually in Dundas. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 246 homes were approved, with another 132 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home each year during this period, suggesting a balanced supply and demand market.

The average construction cost of new homes is $477,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. This financial year has seen $5.1 million in commercial approvals, showing limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Dundas maintains similar construction rates per person as Greater Sydney, preserving market equilibrium. Recent construction consists of 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 52.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options.

With around 108 people per dwelling approval, Dundas exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Dundas will grow by 3,195 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Melrose Central, Melrose Park High School, Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct, and the 25 Station Street Childcare Facility. The following list details those most likely to be 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 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 in the area is 3.9%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 3,016 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Dundas is similar to Greater Sydney's at 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 44.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Notably, public administration & safety has employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical employs only 8.2% of local workers, which is below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.3% alongside labour force increasing by 4.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

The suburb of Dundas had a median taxpayer income of $50,708 and an average income of $65,131 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 for the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $55,201 and the average income around $70,902, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data from 2021 shows household income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($1,962 weekly) and personal income at the 41st percentile in Dundas. Income analysis reveals that 35.7% of the community (2,003 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, which is similar to the broader area where 30.9% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income in Dundas, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The suburb'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

Dwelling structure in Dundas, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 52.1% houses and 47.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dundas was 26.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Dundas was $2,500, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Dundas was $428, versus Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Dundas's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were $428 against 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, including 43.8% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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% of residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.4% while certificates make up 17.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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 serving a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are covered by 28 individual routes that facilitate 4,798 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 133 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 83%, with train and bus usage at 7% and 6% respectively. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.4 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 685 trips per day across all routes, 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

Dundas' health outcomes show exceptional results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low 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 common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 5.2% and 5.2% respectively. 78.0% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Dundas has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (819 people). Senior health outcomes are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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, making up 52.2% of the population. However, there is an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which constitutes 4.8% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Sydney.

The top three represented ancestry groups in Dundas are Chinese at 19.8%, English at 15.1%, and Australian at 14.0%. Notably, Korean is overrepresented at 7.1%, Lebanese at 2.5%, and Hungarian at 0.4% compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 2.6%, and 0.3% respectively.

Dundas's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dundas has a median age of 37, which is equal to Greater Sydney's figure and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group constitutes 17.0% of Dundas' population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.6%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and the present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.6% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.8% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dundas' age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 66%, adding 484 people and reaching a total of 1,214 from its current figure of 729.