Griffith (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Griffith are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Griffith NSW as of May 2026 is around 19,947. This reflects an increase of 442 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,505 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,698 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,033 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 384 persons per square kilometer. Griffith's 2.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (1.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Griffith expected to expand by 2,737 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 12.5% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Griffith among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Griffith averaged approximately 138 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 692 homes were approved, with an additional 83 approved in FY26. On average, 0.3 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. The average value of new properties being constructed is $402,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY26, Griffith has registered $112.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Griffith has 82.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice.

New building activity consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 119 people per approval, Griffith reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Griffith is projected to gain around 2,488 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Griffith has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twenty projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Griffith Hill Lifestyle Estate, Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment, Wakaden Street Affordable Townhouses, and Favell Street Commercial Development. The following list 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.

Employment performance in Griffith exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Griffith has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 9,985 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 64.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses reveal that only 4.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Manufacturing is the leading employment industry among residents, with levels at 3.6 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance has a limited presence, with 13.0% employment compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0% and employment declined by 3.1%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Griffith's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Griffith suburb's income level is below national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Griffith is $51,217, with an average of $58,847. Regional NSW figures are $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since FY2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $56,503 (median) and $64,920 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Griffith's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 50th percentile nationally. Predominant income cohort spans 36.3% of locals ($1,500 - $2,999), similar to surrounding region at 29.9%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.2%, but disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile.

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

Griffith's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. In Griffith, home ownership stood at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented ones at 39.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,483, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Griffith was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Griffith's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 70.1% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Griffith faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 25.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Griffith has 418 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These are serviced by 55 individual routes, providing 1,102 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Griffith's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Griffith is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Griffith faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~10,021 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.4 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,371 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Griffith was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Griffith's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 29.1% born overseas and 30.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Griffith, comprising 63.9%. However, the category 'Other' was notably overrepresented at 4.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 21.0%, lower than the regional average of 30.0%. English followed at 20.3%, also lower than the regional average of 30.5%. Italian ancestry was significantly higher at 16.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 2.1%. Other notable differences included Samoan, overrepresented at 1.6% in Griffith versus 0.1% regionally, Indian at 5.2% versus 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% versus 4.6%.

Griffith's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Griffith is 36 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.9% of the population in Griffith, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 age group makes up 8.8%, which is lower compared to Regional NSW. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.5% of Griffith's population. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.0% to 11.0%. By 2041, the population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Griffith. Notably, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 18%, adding 518 people and reaching a total of 3,411 from the current 2,892. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to decline by 123 people.