Grasmere

Population growth drivers in Grasmere are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Grasmere is around 2,089 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 2,105 people, indicating a drop of 16 individuals (0.8%). The latest resident population estimate of 2,088 was derived by AreaSearch through examination of ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density of approximately 384 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed significantly to recent population growth, accounting for about 66.0% of overall gains.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the suburb is projected to experience above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 361 persons, reflecting a total increase of 17.2% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Grasmere, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Grasmere has received approximately 2 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 14 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth associated with these developments is estimated at 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting a balanced supply and demand scenario. However, this figure has eased to -1.4 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increased supply availability. The average construction cost value for new homes is $815,000, indicating a focus on premium segment properties.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $509,000, predominantly reflecting residential development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Grasmere has significantly lower building activity, with 70.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically drives demand and prices for existing properties higher. Nationally, Grasmere's activity is also lower, potentially due to market maturity or development constraints. The dwelling mix consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering a variety of medium-density options across different price brackets.

The current population estimate per dwelling approval is around 845 people, indicating a quiet development environment. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Grasmere to add approximately 360 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely influencing this region. Key projects are Camden Community Nursery, West Camden Water Recycling Plant Upgrade (servicing Gledswood Hills), Spring Farm Riverside, and Camden Civic Centre Renewal. Details about these projects follow.

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

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Grasmere ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Grasmere has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% in December 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.3%.

As of December 2025892 residents were employed. Workforce participation in Grasmere was 49.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion of residents, 39.1%, worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include construction, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Construction has a particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. Conversely, finance & insurance shows lower representation at 2.0% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.3%, labour force by 6.1%, resulting in a unemployment rate decrease of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Grasmere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Grasmere is $32,336, with an average of $39,640, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $35,673 (median) and $43,731 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, individual incomes lag at the 6th percentile ($543 weekly), while household income performs better at the 44th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 26.2% of residents (547 people) fall within the $400 - 799 bracket, unlike regional trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Income distribution demonstrates clear polarization, with 36.2% in lower brackets (<$800/week) and 31.5% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Grasmere's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.1% houses and 29.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Grasmere stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.3% and rented ones at 6.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,831, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. Weekly rent median was $116, lower than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Grasmere's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Grasmere has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.1% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 28.9%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Grasmere exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (24.0%).

A total of 21.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.0% in secondary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

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

Grasmere has 13 active public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 15 routes, collectively providing 174 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents located an average of 480 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Grasmere's residential nature. Cars remain dominant at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 24 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Grasmere is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Grasmere faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 43% of the total population (around 892 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and heart disease (7.4%). 55.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Grasmere has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 43.7% (around 912 people), compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Grasmere, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 83.1% born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 91.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Grasmere's religion at 83.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%. Ancestry showed high proportions of English (30.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (7.9%) origins, exceeding regional averages.

Notably, Maltese (3.3%), Welsh (0.9%), and Serbian (0.9%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional figures of 1.0%, 0.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Grasmere ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Grasmere's median age is 59, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Grasmere has a higher proportion of residents aged 85+ (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.5%). This concentration of 85+ residents is well above the national figure of 2.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 10.4% to 12.8%, while the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 14.4% to 16.0%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 17.2% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Grasmere's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 86%, reaching 596 people from its current total of 319. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 89% of this growth. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.