Guildford (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Guildford 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 Guildford (NSW) is around 25,598, reflecting an increase of 1,507 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 24,091. This growth represents a 6.3% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 25,563 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,353 persons per square kilometer, placing Guildford in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth is primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods. Based on projections released by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data, Guildford is projected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 3,450 persons, reflecting an increase of 13.3% in total over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,450 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 13.3% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Guildford when compared nationally

Guildford averaged approximately 105 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 528 homes were approved, with a further 86 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this ratio has intensified to 6.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of new homes is $374,000. This year, Guildford has seen $56.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Guildford exhibits approximately 61% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally. New developments consist of 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which can be more affordable for entry-level buyers, downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Currently, Guildford reflects a low density area with around 267 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Guildford is projected to grow by 3,415 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Guildford Swim Centre Modernisation Project, Cumberland LED Street Lighting Program, Guildford Town Centre Public Domain Plan, and Guildford Station Platform 2 Reconstruction. 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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The labour market performance in Guildford lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Guildford has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 15.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%. By December 2025, 8,753 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 11.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was at 51.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high 30.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Guildford specializes in construction employment, with a share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employed only 6.2% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 3.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Guildford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Guildford'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 Guildford is $40,969 and the average income stands at $50,597. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Guildford would be approximately $45,197 (median) and $55,819 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 21st percentile ($1,314 weekly), while personal income sits at the 4th percentile. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates in Guildford with 29.7% of residents (7,602 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 75.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile.

Guildford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Guildford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.0% houses and 45.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings, Guildford had a slightly lower proportion of houses. Home ownership in Guildford stood at 22.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 49.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,015, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $378, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Guildford's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Guildford features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.9% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 16.3% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Guildford fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 22.9%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 39.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (16.8%). Educational participation is high, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.8% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Guildford's public transport analysis indicates 144 active transport stops operating within the area, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 46 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,074 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 124 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation at 77%, while train usage accounts for 16%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 30.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 867 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Guildford's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Guildford residents have relatively positive health outcomes. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts, with a standard level of prevalence.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~12,033 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 5.7 and 5.5% of residents respectively. 77.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,250 people), lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Guildford's population consists of 50.1% born overseas, with 71.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Islam is the predominant religion in Guildford, comprising 43.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 6.8%. The top three ancestry groups are Other (33.3%), Lebanese (22.9%), and Australian (12.1%).

These figures differ significantly from regional averages of 16.0%, 2.6%, and 17.8% respectively. Notably, Vietnamese (1.7% vs 1.8%), Samoan (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Filipino (1.9% vs 2.0%) groups also show significant deviations in representation compared to regional averages.

Guildford hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Guildford's median age is 31 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Guildford has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (8.2%) compared to Greater Sydney but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.4%). Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 14.4% to 15.5%, while the age group of 5-14 has decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, Guildford's demographic profile is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 691 people (26%), from 2,662 to 3,354. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.