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 population of Griffith NSW is estimated at around 20,678 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,173 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,505 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,643, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 733 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 398 persons per square kilometer. Griffith's 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, 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 for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Griffith expected to expand by 2,893 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Griffith averaging approximately 138 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 692 homes were approved, with an additional 70 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in roughly 0.3 new residents per year arriving for each new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these properties is approximately $402,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, Griffith has registered around $112.5 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of NSW, Griffith has 82.0% more new home approvals per person. The building activity consists of approximately 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character.

This results in around 119 people per approval, reflecting a low-density population. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Griffith is projected to gain approximately 1,858 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives 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's skilled workforce has strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, as per AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, 9,972 residents are employed, with a 1.2% lower unemployment rate compared to Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 64.6%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%.

Census responses indicate that only 4.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade are the leading employment industries among residents. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 3.6 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 13.0% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0%, with employment declining by 3.2%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industries. 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 only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Griffith's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Griffith is $51,217 and the average income stands at $58,847. For Regional NSW, these figures are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Griffith would be approximately $55,755 (median) and $64,061 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Griffith cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 36.3% of locals (7,506 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained, but disposable income sits 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 structures, 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. Home ownership in Griffith was 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 was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Griffith's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 account for 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, which is 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 25.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 55 routes, providing 1,102 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 95%, with an average of 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 157 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the area'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 (~10,388 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 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,473 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 is the predominant religion in Griffith, making up 63.9% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 4.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian-born parents make up 21.0%, lower than the regional average of 30.0%. English-born parents comprise 20.3%, also lower than the regional average of 30.5%. Italian-born parents are notably higher at 16.9%, compared to the regional average of 2.1%. There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan is overrepresented at 1.6% (vs 0.1%), Indian at 5.2% (vs 0.6%), and Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% (vs 4.6%).

Griffith's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Griffith is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years. This figure is also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 16.0% of Griffith's population, higher than the proportion in Regional NSW. Conversely, the 65-74 age group makes up 8.8% of Griffith's population, which is less prevalent compared to Regional NSW. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.5% of Griffith's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Griffith. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 437 people, reaching a total of 2,712 from the current figure of 2,274. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.