Glenbrook

Glenbrook has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, Glenbrook's population is estimated at around 5,127, reflecting a 49-person increase (1.0%) since the 2021 Census which reported 5,078 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 5,116 residents based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and one additional validated new address since the Census date. The population density is approximately 729 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glenbrook's growth rate (1.0%) is within 0.7 percentage points of its SA3 area (1.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed around 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's 2024 release with a 2022 base year for covered SA2 areas and NSW State Government's 2022 release with a 2021 base year for uncovered ones.

By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 140 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.5% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Glenbrook is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Glenbrook shows an average of around 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 18 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $501,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, $4.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Glenbrook records markedly lower building activity (65.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 1711 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Glenbrook adding 129 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Glenbrook has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, particularly Rail Infrastructure Upgrades at Blaxland Stations, Blaxland Town Centre Upgrade, Old Bathurst Road Safety Upgrades in Blaxland, and Thomas Park Upgrade. The following details those considered most relevant:.

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

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Employment conditions in Glenbrook rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Glenbrook has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, Glenbrook has 2,801 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Glenbrook is somewhat below the standard at 67.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that a high 50.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in education & training, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Notably, employment levels in education & training are at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have a lower representation with only 7.5% of Glenbrook's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.9%, alongside a 4.8% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Glenbrook. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Glenbrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Glenbrook's median income among taxpayers is $65,630. The average income in the suburb is $85,374. Nationally, these figures are extremely high. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Glenbrook's median income would be approximately $71,445 by September 2025, with an average of around $92,938. Census 2021 data shows Glenbrook's household, family and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 90th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Glenbrook is 28.9% (1,481 people) earning over $4,000 per week, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners in Glenbrook, reflecting strong economic capacity throughout the district. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, demonstrating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Glenbrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Glenbrook, according to the latest Census evaluation, 94.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is in contrast to Sydney metropolitan areas, where 55.9% of dwellings are houses and 44.1% are other dwelling types. Glenbrook's home ownership rate was 46.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented dwellings at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Glenbrook was $2,500, higher than the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Glenbrook was $490, compared to $470 in Sydney metropolitan areas. Nationally, Glenbrook's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially higher at $490 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.1% of all households, including 41.9% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.9%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Glenbrook places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Glenbrook's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 41.5% hold university qualifications, compared to 23.9% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census 2021). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (19.4%).

Educational participation is high in Glenbrook, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Glenbrook has 60 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 44 routes providing 1,312 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 177 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode at 91%. Glenbrook has an average vehicle ownership of 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 50% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 187 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 21 weekly trips per stop.

Glenbrook's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Glenbrook.

AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (3,107 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.0% and 8.0% of residents respectively. 69.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 22.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,174 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Glenbrook ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glenbrook, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.2% born in Australia, 95.4% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 55.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%. Top ancestral groups were English (30.9%), Australian (27.8%), and Irish (11.1%), each notably higher than regional averages of 19.0%, 17.8%, and 6.1% respectively.

Other ethnic groups with notable differences included Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), Dutch (1.9% vs 0.7%), and Maltese (1.1% vs 1.0%).

Glenbrook hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Glenbrook's median age stands at 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes a strong 12.1%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 5.8%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.8% to 8.0% of Glenbrook's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 7.5% to 5.8%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.4%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Glenbrook's age profile by 2041. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 179%, reaching 400 people from its current figure of 143. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 100% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 65-74 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.