Eastwood (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Eastwood are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Eastwood (NSW) had an estimated population of around 20,166 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,471 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,695 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 20,000 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 3,863 persons per square kilometer, placing Eastwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Eastwood's growth of 7.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded the state average of 7.1%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, above median population growth is projected nationally, with Eastwood expected to increase by 2,571 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 11.9% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Eastwood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Eastwood has recorded approximately 171 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 855 homes. In FY26, up to the present, 92 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY21 and FY25, 0.7 people moved to Eastwood for each dwelling built, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes in Eastwood is $551,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. Commercial approvals registered in Eastwood this financial year total $2.1 million, reflecting the area's residential nature. New building activity shows 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% medium to high-density housing, offering more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the existing housing composition of 53.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Eastwood reflects a developing area with around 133 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Eastwood will gain approximately 2,405 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Eastwood 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 identified 23 potential impact projects. Major ones are Eastwood Centre Redevelopment, Eastwood Central Precinct Project, Eastwood Masterplan, and 173 Shaftsbury Road Development. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Eastwood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Eastwood's workforce is highly educated. The technology sector has significant representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 5.4%. As of December 2025, 11,023 residents are employed with a 0.1% lower unemployment rate than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is slightly below average at 66.3%.

A high proportion, 48.7%, work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Construction, however, is under-represented at 6.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Limited local job opportunities are suggested by the resident-to-working population ratio. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels rose by 5.4% while unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.2% with a marginal increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eastwood's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 7.1% in five years and 14.3% in ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Eastwood is above national averages. The median assessed income is $47,111 and the average income stands at $72,261. In comparison, Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Eastwood would be approximately $51,973 (median) and $79,718 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 62nd percentile ($1,945 weekly), while personal income sits at the 40th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.5% of Eastwood's community (6,150 individuals). This mirrors regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income in Eastwood. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 58th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Eastwood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Eastwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.0% houses and 47.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eastwood stood at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 39.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,730, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Eastwood was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Eastwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Eastwood features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.1% of all households, including 38.6% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 4.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Eastwood's residents aged 15+ exceed national averages in educational attainment: 50.8%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational pathways account for 19.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 9.5%. Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.7% in primary, 8.4% in tertiary, and 6.2% in secondary.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 8.4% in tertiary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Eastwood has 124 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 34 routes, providing 6,226 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 69%, followed by train at 17% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 48.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 889 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per stop. The map provided shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Eastwood's health outcomes show notable results based on 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 found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~11,190 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Eastwood, impacting 4.7% and 4.6% of residents respectively. 79.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,851 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Eastwood has a diverse population, with 68.8% speaking languages other than English at home and 61.0% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Eastwood, comprising 38.8%. Buddhism is notably higher than regional averages, making up 7.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese heritage is prevalent in Eastwood at 42.9%, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%. English heritage stands at 10.2%, lower than the regional average of 19.0%. Other ancestry comprises 10.0%, also lower than the regional average of 16.0%. Notable differences exist in other ethnic groups' representation: Korean is overrepresented at 7.8% versus the regional 1.1%, Sri Lankan at 0.5% compared to 0.3%, and Lebanese at 0.8% against a regional average of 2.6%.

Eastwood's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Eastwood is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Eastwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 11.0% to 13.1%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 15.8% to 17.2%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 has declined from 12.7% to 11.2%, and the 0-4 cohort dropped from 4.9% to 3.9%. By 2041, Eastwood's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group will grow by 67% (795 people), reaching 1,985 from 1,189. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 58% of projected growth. However, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts.