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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Grasmere is around 2,140. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,105 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, with a resident population of 2,116 inferred from latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024). This results in a density ratio of 393 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, for areas covered by this data. For other SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projecting forward, a significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of national statistical areas. The suburb of Grasmere is expected to expand by 583 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Grasmere has averaged approximately two dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 14 homes. In FY26 to date, three approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $815,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

This financial year, $509,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Grasmere has markedly lower building activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 833 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Grasmere adding 559 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact 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. The following details 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Grasmere performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Grasmere has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.3%. As of December 2025929 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation is significantly lower at 50.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 39.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are construction, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Construction stands out with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average, while finance & insurance has lower representation at 2.0%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the resident population vs working population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 7.3% and labour force by 7.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Grasmere. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Grasmere's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised 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 postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $35,201 (median) and $43,152 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes at the 6th percentile ($543 weekly), while household incomes are at the 44th percentile. The earnings profile in Grasmere is dominated by the $400 - 799 bracket, with 26.2% of residents (560 people). Income distribution shows polarization: 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. The median weekly rent was $116, lower than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Grasmere's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $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 make up the remaining 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (24.0%). A total of 21.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.0% in secondary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 21.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.0% in secondary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together offer 174 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically living 480 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (96%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 39.1% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

Each route runs an average of 24 trips daily, resulting in approximately 13 weekly trips per individual 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 43% of the total population, which comprises around 914 people.

This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and heart disease, impacting 12.0% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 55.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 44.2%, with around 945 people, compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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, as per the 2016 Census, showed low cultural diversity with 83.1% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 91.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 83.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (7.9%), all higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 17.8% respectively.

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%.

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+ (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.8%). This 85+ concentration is well above the national figure of 2.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.4% to 12.3%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 14.4% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 17.2% to 16.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Grasmere's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 102%, reaching 697 people from 344 currently. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 90% of this growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.