Helensburgh

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Helensburgh's population is estimated at around 6,662 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 86 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,576 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,606 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 360 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas is anticipated. The Helensburgh statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by 250 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Helensburgh recorded approximately 18 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 93 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 to date. The average construction value for new properties is $506,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

There have been $903,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting Helensburgh's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Helensburgh has seen substantially reduced construction activity, with 51.0% fewer approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% medium and high-density housing, a shift from the current housing mix of 83.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 623 people. Future projections indicate Helensburgh adding 145 residents by 2041, with new housing supply expected to meet demand at current development rates.

Future projections show Helensburgh adding 145 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially influencing the area. Major initiatives include Helensburgh Pool Refurbishment, Former Helensburgh Waste Depot Remediation, Helensburgh Community Centre and Library, Vera and Wilson Streets Helensburgh. The following list details those likely 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 conditions in Helensburgh demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Helensburgh has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 3757 residents are employed while workforce participation stands at 69.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly strong, employing 1.5 times more than the regional level, whereas agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 0.1% while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from November 25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Helensburgh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Helensburgh had a median taxpayer income of $58,576 and an average income of $76,221 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 for Rest of NSW. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,766 (median) and $82,974 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Helensburgh rank between the 77th and 90th percentiles nationally. In Helensburgh, 35.8% of individuals (2,384) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, slightly higher than the metropolitan region's 29.9%. A substantial proportion, 37.5%, earn above $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 89th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Helensburgh is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Helensburgh's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Helensburgh was at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.2% and rented ones at 14.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Helensburgh's median weekly rent figure was $535, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Helensburgh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 84.1% of all households, including 48.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households at 1.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Helensburgh's educational qualifications are below the regional average: 25.4% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to 33.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common (17.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.8%, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.7%), secondary (8.4%), and tertiary (3.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Helensburgh has 78 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These are operated by 19 individual routes, offering a total of 1,689 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 148 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 241 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 21 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Helensburgh 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

Helensburgh shows better-than-average health outcomes with fewer common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, certain older and at-risk cohorts have a higher prevalence of these conditions. Private health cover is high in Helensburgh, with approximately 57% (~3,800 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 8.4% of residents) and mental health issues (7.4%), while 71.4% claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 68.6% in the Rest of NSW. As of 20XX (exact date needed), 13.5% of Helensburgh's population is aged 65 and over (899 people), lower than the 17.7% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Helensburgh's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.4% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Helensburgh, comprising 52.2% of people, but Judaism stands out as overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.7%) and English (30.5%) are the top groups, significantly higher than regional averages of 24.8% and 26.9% respectively.

Irish ancestry comprises 9.5% of Helensburgh's population. Notably, Maltese (0.9%), New Zealand (0.8%), and Macedonian (0.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.6%, 0.6%, and 1.5% respectively.

Helensburgh's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Helensburgh's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.6% of Helensburgh's population, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group has increased from 14.7% to 15.6%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modelling suggests Helensburgh's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 43%, reaching 430 from 299. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 55% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.