Haberfield

Haberfield has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Haberfield is around 6,718. This figure reflects an increase of 238 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,480. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,810 persons per square kilometer, placing Haberfield in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the census, at 3.7%, is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.6%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Haberfield are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022, with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth across statistical areas nationally. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Haberfield is expected to increase by 21 persons to reach a total of 6,739 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 0.1% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Haberfield averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 18 homes. As of FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $974,000, indicating a focus on premium segment upmarket properties.

This year, $3.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. All new constructions so far have been townhouses or apartments, denser developments that cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend marks a shift from the current 80% houses in the area, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles seeking diverse housing options. Haberfield's population density is around 6626 people per approval, indicating an established area.

Future projections estimate Haberfield will add 4 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Haberfield 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 has identified 28 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Sydney Metro Sydenham to Bankstown Conversion, Kings Bay Village, TOGA Five Dock Mixed-Use Masterplan, and Five Dock Park Precinct Upgrade. 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 employment environment in Haberfield shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Haberfield has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By December 2025, 3660 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 65.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses show that 56.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.4 times the regional average), education & training, and health care & social assistance sectors. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.8%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% and employment declined by 1.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.8%. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and labour force expand by 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. 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. Applying these projections to Haberfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Haberfield had a median income among taxpayers of $57,093 and an average income of $89,618. These figures are among the highest in Australia, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Haberfield would be approximately $62,985 (median) and $98,867 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows Haberfield's household incomes rank at the 94th percentile with $2,761 weekly income. Income analysis reveals that 36.8% of the community earns over $4,000 per week (2,472 individuals), contrasting with Greater Sydney where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Haberfield demonstrates affluence with 47.7% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Haberfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Haberfield stood at 50.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.8% and rented ones at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,674, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Haberfield was $530, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Haberfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Haberfield features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 78.0% of all households, including 43.2% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for 22.0%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Haberfield shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Haberfield is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 41.6% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This educational advantage is reflected in the types of qualifications held: Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.3% and certificates accounting for 13.6%.

Educational participation is also high in Haberfield, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 60 active transport stops operating within Haberfield. These comprise a mix of buses serviced by 29 individual routes, collectively providing 2,995 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 152 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 6% using bus and 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 56.0% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 427 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Haberfield is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Haberfield shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high in Haberfield, with approximately 62% of the total population (4,183 people) having it, compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.4 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 69.4% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents in Haberfield are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,511 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Haberfield's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 28.7% born overseas and 27.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Haberfield at 62.6%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Italian (22.5%), English (18.9%), and Australian (18.0%).

Notably, Spanish (0.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups are overrepresented in Haberfield compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively. Greek ancestry also has a higher representation at 3.4%.

Haberfield hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Haberfield is 46 years, which exceeds Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and is also higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented in Haberfield at 14.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of those aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.9% to 14.3%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 12.7% to 11.6%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Haberfield. The population of those aged 75-84 is projected to increase by 193 people (38%) from 510 to 704. This aging population trend is evident as those aged 65 and above will comprise all the projected growth. Conversely, the populations of those aged 0-4 and 25-34 are expected to decline.