Girraween (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Girraween 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 since the Census, Girraween's population is estimated at around 6,838 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 582 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,256 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,497 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,947 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Girraween's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.8%), along with the Greater Sydney, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, 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, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected in the suburb of Girraween (NSW), with an expected increase of 487 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Girraween recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Girraween recorded approximately 47 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 238 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and offering ample buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties was $545,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $7.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Girraween's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Girraween maintains comparable construction activity per person, though recent periods show some moderation. New development consists of 32.0% detached dwellings and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The location has approximately 194 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Girraween will gain 89 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable projects include the Westmead Health Precinct Redevelopment, Toongabbie Bridge and Wentworth Avenue Upgrade, M4 Smart Motorway, and Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead. The following list details those projects expected 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 employment landscape in Girraween shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Girraween has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of September 2025, there are 3,465 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 74.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 52.0% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Key industries for employment among residents are professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Finance & insurance has a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Construction is under-represented, with only 4.5% of Girraween's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 3.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Girraween's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Girraween had a median taxpayer income of $60,913 and an average income of $73,878. This is higher than the national average and compares to $60,817 and $83,003 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,310 (median) and $80,424 (average). Census data shows household incomes rank at the 87th percentile with a weekly income of $2,378. Income distribution reveals that 30.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, aligning with regional trends. Notably, 38.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 84th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Girraween, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 45.7% houses and 54.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metropolitan area's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Girraween was at 22.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (43.7%) or rented (34.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,435, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Sydney metropolitan area's $2,427 and $470 respectively. Nationally, Girraween's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Girraween features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 83.6% of all households, including 60.2% couples with children, 14.4% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.4%, with lone person households at 14.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Girraween's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 52.3% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Vocational pathways account for 17.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 7.5% and certificates at 10.3%. Educational participation is high, with 36.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.8% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows that Girraween has 36 active transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes, together providing 1776 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Girraween's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 72%, while trains are used by 20% of residents. On average, there is 1.1 vehicle per dwelling in Girraween.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with 52%. Service frequency averages 253 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per stop.

Girraween's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Girraween. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be low among the general population, nearing the nation's average across older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was very high, approximately 56% of the total population (~3,837 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions in the area were diabetes and asthma, impacting 5.4 and 4.8% of residents respectively. A total of 81.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. As of 2021, 11.4% of Girraween's residents were aged 65 and over (779 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in Girraween are above average but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Girraween has a population where 64.7% were born overseas, with 76.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Hinduism is the predominant religion in Girraween, comprising 54.9%, compared to 5.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestral groups are Indian (32.2%), Other (31.2%), and English (7.8%).

These figures are substantially higher than regional averages of 3.6%, 16.0%, and 19.0% respectively. Notably, Sri Lankan ancestry is overrepresented at 2.8% in Girraween compared to 0.3% regionally, Maltese at 3.3% vs 1.0%, and Lebanese at 1.0% vs 2.6%.

Girraween's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Girraween has a median age of 37, which matches Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and is comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 23.2% of Girraween's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.3%. The 25-34 cohort comprises 9.2%, less than both Greater Sydney and the national figure. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 10.6% to 9.2%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 24.5% to 23.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Girraween's age structure. The 55-64 group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 751 people from a starting point of 601. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 58% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.