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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Dundas's population is estimated at around 4,910 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 49 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,959 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,901 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,532 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to grow by 3,057 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 62.1% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Dundas when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Dundas shows approximately 49 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years (FY21 to FY25), around 246 homes were approved, with an additional 133 approved so far in FY26. The average annual increase in residents per new home over these years is about 0.9, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

This supports buyer choice and potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes is $477,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, approximately $5.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Dundas maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 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 reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Dundas has around 108 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dundas is expected to grow by approximately 3,048 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 such projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct, Melrose Central, Melrose Park High School, and 25 Station Street Childcare Facility. Below is a list of 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 Dundas shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Dundas has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of December 2025, in line with Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 65.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

A high proportion of residents worked from home, with 44.3% doing so according to Census responses. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Public administration & safety had notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 8.2% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 0.0% while labour force grew by 0.2%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. Greater Sydney recorded higher growth with employment increasing by 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting Dundas's 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. This was below the national average, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income being $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $55,941 (median) and $71,853 (average). In Census 2021 income data, household income ranked at the 63rd percentile ($1,962 weekly), while personal income was at the 41st percentile. Income analysis showed that 35.7% of Dundas residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,752 individuals). This pattern was similar to the broader area where 30.9% fell within this income range. High housing costs consumed 18.8% of income, but disposable income ranked at the 59th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

In Dundas, as assessed in the latest Census, 52.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 47.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dundas stood at 26.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Dundas was $428, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Dundas's 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 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 make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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+, surpassing 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, offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,798 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 133 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes in this primarily residential area are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 83%, with train at 7% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.3% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 685 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,587 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than 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 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (765 people). Health outcomes among seniors 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. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 4.8% of Dundas's population, which is higher compared to Greater Sydney's average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (19.8%), English (15.1%), and Australian (14.0%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Korean at 7.1% versus the regional average of 1.1%, Lebanese at 2.5% compared to a regional average of 2.6%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Dundas's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dundas has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and remaining close to Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 age group is strongly represented at 13.8%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 7.6% to 9.3%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.8% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 11.7%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 6.8% to 5.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Dundas's age structure, with the 45-54 group set to grow by 74% (500 people), reaching 1,178 from 677.