Glenwood (NSW)

Glenwood is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, Glenwood's population was estimated at 16,068 as of Feb 2026. This showed an increase of 239 people from the 2021 Census figure of 15,829. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 16,005 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and six additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 3,138 persons per square kilometer, placing Glenwood in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate lower quartile growth, with Glenwood expected to increase by 275 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 1.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Glenwood has averaged around 8 dwelling approvals annually. Approximately 40 homes have been approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, with none so far in FY-26. The population decline over recent years suggests new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

Average construction cost values of new homes are $654,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. This financial year has seen $100,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Glenwood's building activity is significantly lower, supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. Activity is also below national averages, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent development consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Glenwood's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 2290 people per dwelling approval, the market is highly mature. AreaSearch projects Glenwood to add 212 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply will meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potential population growth beyond current projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects include Norwest City, Norwest Private Hospital, Norwest Quarter, and Essentia Smart Townhomes by Mulpha Norwest. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Glenwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.5%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 10,367 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is high at 80.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 51.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries employing Glenwood residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Notably, finance & insurance employment levels are at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, and labour force grew by 4.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% while unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glenwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Glenwood is above average nationally. The median income is $63,726 and the average is $77,044. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,372 (median) and $83,870 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Glenwood rank at the 97th percentile ($3,068 weekly). The predominant income cohort spans 31.7% of locals (5,093 people) with earnings above $4,000 per week, unlike regional trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. A substantial proportion of high earners (51.5%) indicates strong economic capacity in the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.6% of income, and residents rank within the 97th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Glenwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Glenwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenwood was at 24.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (55.3%) or rented (19.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Glenwood was $2,600, above Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Glenwood was recorded at $590, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Glenwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 91.8% of all households, including 64.0% couples with children, 17.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 8.2%, with lone person households at 7.0% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size is 3.5 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Glenwood is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 43.7% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This significant educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%.

Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 13.4%. Educational participation is notably high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 98 active transport stops operating within Glenwood. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 38 individual routes providing a total of 5,625 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 81%, while train accounts for 9% and bus for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 803 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glenwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Glenwood's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Approximately 9,216 people, or 57% of Glenwood's total population, have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma (6.1%) and diabetes (5.6%), while 77.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Glenwood has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.3% (1,976 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Glenwood are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Glenwood has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 54.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 51.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Glenwood, comprising 43.8% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' makes up 12.2%, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (23.9%), Indian (17.4%), and Australian (13.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Filipino at 4.9% compared to 2.0% regionally, Sri Lankan at 1.5% versus 0.3%, and Spanish at 0.8% compared to 0.6%.

Glenwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Glenwood's median age stands at 37 years, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented in Glenwood at 18.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. This concentration of young adults aged 15-24 is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, Glenwood has seen an increase in its 15-24 age group from 15.4% to 18.4%, while the 75-84 cohort has grown from 2.7% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 15.9% to 13.8%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 16.8% to 14.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glenwood's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 55%, adding 378 people and reaching a total of 1,069 from its previous figure of 690. This growth reflects the aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 81% of projected growth in Glenwood's population. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.