Ermington

Ermington lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Ermington is around 14,992, reflecting an increase of 2,306 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 13,893 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), with an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 3,883 persons per square kilometer, placing Ermington in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 18.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (7.8%) and Greater Sydney, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Ermington, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For future projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period from 2026 to 2041, with the suburb expected to expand by 11,162 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 65.5% in total over these 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Ermington has experienced around 179 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 895 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, and 218 have been approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.4 new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic.

The average value of new dwellings is $453,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments. In FY26, $34.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ermington has seen 35.0% more development per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. This is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. New developments consist of 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the current housing composition (60.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 86 people per dwelling approval, Ermington exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ermington is expected to grow by approximately 9,818 residents through to 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Ermington 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 17 projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Melrose Central, Melrose Central, Rivea Rydalmere, and Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct. 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.

The labour market in Ermington demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Ermington has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 7,960 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Ermington was 73.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 46.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Ermington has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share that is 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 9.7% of Ermington's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, while labour force increased by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.1%, labour force expanded by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Ermington's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections applied to Ermington's employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Ermington suburb is $54,100 and average income is $68,559. In Greater Sydney, median income is $60,817 and average income is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,893 (median) and $74,633 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from August 2021, income levels in Ermington are at the 58th percentile nationally. The largest earnings segment comprises 30.4% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to metropolitan region's 30.9%. High housing costs consume 19.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally. Ermington's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Ermington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Ermington's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.5% houses and 39.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ermington stood at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 43.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, above Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Ermington was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Ermington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ermington has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.7% of all households, including 41.5% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Ermington performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Ermington trail regional benchmarks; 36.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 42.7%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (17.4%).

Educational participation is high; 30.9% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ermington has 77 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 2,960 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 83%, while train use accounts for 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 46% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 422 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Ermington is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Ermington shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~8,101 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (6.3%) and arthritis (5.5%), while 76.2% report being free of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,338 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Ermington has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.3% of its population born overseas and 49.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ermington, comprising 53.8% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 6.1% of Ermington's population versus 6.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (15.9%), Australian (15.7%), and Chinese (15.1%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%. Notably, Korean (6.3%) and Lebanese (5.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Ermington compared to their regional averages of 1.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Additionally, Filipino ethnicity is slightly overrepresented at 2.3% versus the regional average of 2.0%.

Ermington's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ermington has a median age of 37 years, which is equal to Greater Sydney's figure and comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 years old shows strong representation in Ermington at 17.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. However, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent in Ermington at 14.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.2% to 17.1% of the population, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.6% to 14.1%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ermington's age structure. Notably, the 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 1,472 people and reaching a total of 4,036 from its current figure of 2,563.