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

As of November 2025, Girraween's population is estimated at approximately 6,621 people. This figure represents an increase of 365 individuals since the Census in 2021, when the suburb had a population of 6,256. AreaSearch validated this estimate using ABS ERP data from June 2024 and new addresses identified since the Census date. The current density ratio is around 2,853 persons per square kilometer, placing Girraween in the upper quartile compared to other Australian locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Girraween has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming the state average. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 90% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 using a base year of 2021. These growth rates are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Girraween is expected to increase by approximately 479 persons by the year 2041, reflecting an overall increase of around 4.7% over the 17-year period.

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 around 47 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 237 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties is $545,000. This financial year has seen $16.1 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Comparatively, Girraween's development levels are similar to Greater Sydney on a per person basis, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, construction activity has eased recently. The current building activity shows 28.0% detached houses and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 46.0% houses.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 194 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Girraween is expected to grow by 314 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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: 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 considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Girraween shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Girraween has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 3,476 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 62.6%, comparable to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance sectors. Finance & insurance has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 8.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.3% and labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Girraween's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Girraween's median income among taxpayers was $60,913 in the financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $73,878 during this period. For comparison, Greater Sydney's median and average incomes were $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Girraween's median income would be approximately $68,594 as of September 2025, with the average estimated at $83,194 during this month. Census 2021 data shows that household incomes in Girraween rank at the 87th percentile, with an equivalent weekly income of $2,378. Income brackets indicate that 30.7% of locals (2,032 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.9% in the same category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence in Girraween, with 38.0% exceeding $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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Girraween, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 45.7% houses and 54.3% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings, compared to Sydney metropolitan area's 36.4% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Girraween was at 22.2%, with the remaining 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 $2,167 and $420 respectively. Nationally, Girraween's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.6% of all households, including 60.2% that are couples with children, 14.4% that are couples without children, and 7.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 2.6.

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 high, with 52.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational pathways account for 17.8%, 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: 16.8% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

Girraween's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,295 students, with an ICSEA score of 1146 indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. The area has two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups, functioning as an education hub with 34.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Girraween has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes that together facilitate 825 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 143 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 117 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Girraween's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Girraween's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 56% (~3,715 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 53.4%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (5.4%) and asthma (4.8%), while 81.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 79.0% in Greater Sydney. Girraween has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (734 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 12.5%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than 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, accounting for 54.9%, compared to 28.8% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Indian (32.2%), Other (31.2%), and English (7.8%).

Notably, Sri Lankan ancestry is overrepresented at 2.8% in Girraween versus 0.9% regionally, Maltese at 3.3% versus 0.9%, and Lebanese at 1.0% versus 3.5%.

Girraween's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Girraween's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 23.7% of Girraween's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.6%. Notably, this concentration in the 35-44 bracket is significantly higher than Australia's national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present day, Girraween has seen an increase in its 15 to 24 age group from 8.9% to 10.2%, and a rise in the 45 to 54 cohort from 10.8% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 10.6% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Girraween's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 749 people from its current figure of 562. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 51% of the projected growth. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.