Glendale (NSW)

Glendale has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Glendale (NSW) is around 3,431. This figure reflects a growth of 171 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,260. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,372 in June 2024, along with validation of 33 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 888 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glendale's growth rate of 5.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area at 4.1%, indicating it as a region leader in population growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with positive factors from overseas migration and interstate migration also playing significant roles.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas until 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 613 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 16.5% over the 17-year period, in line with national trends for regional areas.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Glendale has averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 34 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 3.9 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, suggesting demand exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $395,000, slightly above the regional average.

There have also been $3.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating Glendale's residential character. Comparatively, when measured against Rest of NSW, Glendale shows substantially reduced construction activity (51.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, the level is likewise lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development in Glendale consists of 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options to cater to varying price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 87.0% houses), potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Glendale is 396 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Glendale adding approximately 567 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Glendale 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 15 projects that may impact the region. Notable ones include Glendale City Centre Expansion, Cardiff Strategic Planning Framework, Vida - 2 Turrug Street Whitebridge, and North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area (Glendale). The following list provides details on those 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.

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

Glendale has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,795 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, which is 0.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate in Glendale is 68.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Based on Census responses, 20.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Glendale has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.3% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.1 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8% while labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glendale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Glendale had a median taxpayer income of $49,513 and an average income of $58,902. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $53,900 and average income is around $64,121. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Glendale rank between the 35th and 36th percentiles. Income distribution shows 34.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with broader trends across the region at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile.

Glendale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Glendale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glendale was at 30.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.4% and rented ones at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Glendale's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $360 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 23.5% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Glendale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 31.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Glendale has 77 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 83 different routes that together facilitate 3,167 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 132 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting in Glendale is outward-bound, and cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 20.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 452 trips per day, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Glendale is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Glendale faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of Glendale's total population (~1,724 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.3% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% of Glendale residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (524 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Glendale is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Glendale has a below-average level of cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia and 92.6% being citizens. Furthermore, 94.2% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Glendale, accounting for 51.6%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.0%), English (29.6%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, Welsh, Australian Aboriginal, and Polish ethnicities have higher representations in Glendale than the regional averages: Welsh at 0.9% vs 0.5%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% vs 4.6%, and Polish at 0.9% vs 0.5%.

Glendale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Glendale's median age is 35 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 17.7% locally compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.2%. Following the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 35. Specifically, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.4% to 15.1%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 16.4% to 17.7%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.0% to 8.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Glendale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 34%, adding 206 residents to reach 814. Conversely, the 15-24 and 75-84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.