Hazelbrook

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hazelbrook reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, Hazelbrook's estimated population is around 5,113, reflecting an increase of 36 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 0.7% rise from the previous population count of 5,077. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,105, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 409 persons per square kilometer for Hazelbrook. Over the past decade, Hazelbrook has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming the SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.0% 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 uses 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Hazelbrook is expected to grow by 310 persons to reach a total of around 5,423 by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 5.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Hazelbrook from FY-21 to FY-25, around 14 new homes were approved annually. In FY-26, 3 homes have been approved so far. The population has declined recently, but development activity has been adequate relative to this decline.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $409,000. This financial year, $86,000 in commercial approvals were registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hazelbrook records significantly lower building activity, 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The area's development level is also below national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

All approved new constructions have been detached houses, preserving Hazelbrook's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, there are approximately 1708 people per dwelling approval in the area. By 2041, Hazelbrook is projected to add 302 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Hazelbrook has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area significantly. Notable projects include Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Sydney Metro, and Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet), with the following list highlighting 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 Hazelbrook exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Hazelbrook has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation. As of December 2025, Hazelbrook had 2,655 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was at 65.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 40.6% of Hazelbrook's residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area had a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical services had limited presence at 6.4%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

Over the year ending December 2025, Hazelbrook's labour force levels decreased by 4.7% and employment declined by 4.0%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and the labour force grow by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project an increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hazelbrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Hazelbrook had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $52,567 and the average income stood at $63,751. These figures compared to Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,224 (median) and $69,399 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes in Hazelbrook clustered around the 50th percentile nationally. Distribution data indicated that 35.2% of the population (1,799 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 15.3% of income, placing disposable income at the 54th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

Hazelbrook's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hazelbrook was 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.8% and rented ones at 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Hazelbrook was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Hazelbrook's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Hazelbrook has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.6% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Hazelbrook places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 31.9%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 23.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with vocational credentials held by 37.9% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 24.7%.

Educational participation is high with 30.5% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

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

Hazelbrook has 55 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 routes that facilitate 1,230 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good with residents located an average of 244 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes in this residential area are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 90%, while trains account for 5%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 175 trips daily, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hazelbrook faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~2,666 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (11.4%) and asthma (9.6%). 62.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. 20.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,058 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Hazelbrook ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hazelbrook's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 83.8% having been born in the country. The vast majority of residents are also citizens, standing at 93.5%, and English is spoken exclusively at home by 93.5%. Christianity emerged as the dominant religion in Hazelbrook, representing 43.6% of its population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.3% versus 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 29.1%, Australian at 26.0%, and Irish at 10.3%. These figures are substantially higher than their respective regional averages: English (19.0%), Australian (17.8%). Additionally, there was notable overrepresentation of Welsh (0.8% vs 0.4%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Dutch (1.9% vs 0.7%) ethnic groups in Hazelbrook compared to the regional averages.

Hazelbrook's median age exceeds the national pattern

Hazelbrook's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hazelbrook has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (11.4% locally) and a lower percentage of residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). According to the 2021 Census, Hazelbrook's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 5.3% to 7.6%, while the percentages for ages 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 decreased to 12.7% and 13.2% respectively. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Hazelbrook's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 43%, adding 167 residents to reach a total of 556. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 78% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.