Heathcote (NSW)

Heathcote is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Heathcote is around 6,197 people. This figure reflects an increase from the previous population count of 6,148 in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of 49 individuals (0.8%). AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, estimated the resident population to be 6,186 people. This results in a population density ratio of 609 persons per square kilometer for Heathcote. The suburb's growth rate since the census is 0.8%, which is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase in recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilized NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that Heathcote is expected to increase by 267 persons to reach an estimated population of 6,464 by the year 2041. This projected growth reflects a total gain of 3.8% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Heathcote, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Heathcote has received around 25 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 125 homes were approved, with another 7 in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $680,000, slightly above the regional average. This year, there have been $1.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Heathcote has seen 28.0% more development per person over the past five years. Building activity has slowed recently, with new developments consisting of 32.0% detached houses and 68.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing (74.0% houses) indicates decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

The current population per dwelling approval is estimated at 536 people. Population forecasts suggest Heathcote will gain 235 residents by 2041, with new housing supply expected to meet demand based on current development patterns.

Heathcote 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 eight projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Heathcote Apartments Development, Engadine Central Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Hermitage Apartments, and Waratah Road Townhouses. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Heathcote well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Heathcote has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%.

As of June 2025, 3,459 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is at 62.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, finance & insurance shows lower representation at 4.6% versus the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Heathcote. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Heathcote's median income among taxpayers is $61,720, with an average of $75,005. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Heathcote would be approximately $69,503 (median) and $84,463 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Heathcote all rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 80th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 29.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,821 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners (34.4%) in Heathcote indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Heathcote, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.5% of dwellings were houses while 25.5% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heathcote stood at 42.1%, higher than the Sydney metro average, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 46.3% and rented ones for 11.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Heathcote was $2,553, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,600. The median weekly rent figure in Heathcote was $520 compared to Sydney metro's $483. Nationally, Heathcote's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,553 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Heathcote features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, consisting of 39.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Heathcote exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.6%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, comprising 10.5% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Heathcote has three schools with a combined enrollment of 1,076 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1045) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Heathcote has 52 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus services. There are 15 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide 1,248 passenger trips combined. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 125 meters. Across all routes, there are an average of 178 trips per day. This equates to about 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heathcote is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Health data shows significant health challenges in Heathcote, with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages, particularly among older age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 57% (~3,505 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.6%) and mental health issues (8.0%). Conversely, 65.0% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 70.6% in Greater Sydney. Heathcote has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.4% (1,388 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Heathcote is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Heathcote's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Heathcote, comprising 59.4% of people, compared to 61.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (31.3%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Russian (0.4%) was overrepresented in Heathcote compared to the regional average (0.5%), as were Maltese (0.7% vs 0.8%) and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.2%).

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

The median age in Heathcote is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 85+ make up 5.2% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.2% to 12.4%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 9.7% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Heathcote's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 215 people (46%), from 464 to 680 individuals. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ are expected to account for 88% of total population growth. Conversely, the age groups of 5 to 14 and 25 to 34 are projected to experience population declines.