Helensburgh

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

As of Nov 2025, Helensburgh's population is estimated at around 6,648 people. This reflects a growth of 72 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,576 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 6,577 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 359 persons per square kilometer. Helensburgh's growth rate of 1.1% since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%). Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 250 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.4% 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, with about 90 homes approved between financial years FY21 and FY25. As of FY26, around 9 properties have been approved so far. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average construction value for new properties is $506,000. This year, there have also been commercial approvals worth $967,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Helensburgh shows significantly reduced construction activity (53.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the existing 83.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 654 people, reflecting Helensburgh's quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Helensburgh is expected to grow by 159 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Helensburgh has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Helensburgh Pool Refurbishment, Former Helensburgh Waste Depot Remediation, Helensburgh Community Centre and Library, and Vera and Wilson Streets Helensburgh. The following list details 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 Helensburgh ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Helensburgh has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% as of June 2025, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Helensburgh is high 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 with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census working population vs resident population data.

Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Helensburgh had a median taxpayer income of $58,576 and an average income of $76,221 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is high nationally compared to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% would be approximately $65,962 (median) and $85,832 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Helensburgh rank highly nationally, between the 77th and 90th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where similarly 29.9% occupy this range. There is a substantial proportion of high earners (37.5% above $3,000/week), indicating strong economic capacity throughout the area. 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, comprised 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. Median weekly rent in Helensburgh 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, consisting of 48.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. 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

Educational qualifications in Helensburgh show 25.4% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 33.6%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and Helensburgh Public School serve 655 students combined, with the area having above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1061). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. There are 9.8 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.9, suggesting some students may attend schools outside Helensburgh.

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

Helensburgh has 71 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 17 routes that together facilitate 1,451 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 148 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 207 trips per day, or approximately 20 weekly trips per individual 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 low prevalence of common conditions among its general population.

However, it has higher rates among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is high in Helensburgh, with approximately 57% (~3,792 people) having coverage. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.4 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 71.4% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 68.6% in the Rest of NSW. Helensburgh has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.5% (897 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 17.7%. 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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a lower than average cultural diversity. The population born in Australia constituted 87.4%, with 93.2% being citizens and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.2%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to the rest of NSW, making up 0.1% of Helensburgh's population. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 31.7%, which is higher than the regional average of 24.8%. English and Irish ancestry followed at 30.5% and 9.5% respectively. Notably, Maltese (0.9%), New Zealand (0.8%) and Macedonian (0.2%) ethnic groups were overrepresented compared to their regional averages.

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 makes up 15.6% of Helensburgh's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 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, Helensburgh's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 44% (130 people), reaching 430 from 299. Those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 54% of population growth, while the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.