Hornsby

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

As of Nov 2025, Hornsby's population is estimated at around 23,446, reflecting an increase of 984 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 22,462. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 23,329 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio in Hornsby is 2,811 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hornsby's growth of 4.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Hornsby.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises 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 years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,450 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hornsby according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hornsby experienced around 49 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 249 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $569,000. In the current financial year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 49.0% standalone homes and 51.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Hornsby indicates a mature market with around 357 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,340 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact this area. Notable ones include Hornsby Park, Twin Towers Hornsby, transforming Hornsby Park from a quarry into parklands, and the Hornsby Town Centre Master Plan. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Hornsby faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Hornsby has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 9.7% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In June 2025, 12,362 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 5.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Hornsby was 65.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 4.6% of Hornsby's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, labour force decreased by 0.3%, and employment decreased by 2.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% and labour force grow by 2.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. 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 Hornsby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Hornsby's median taxpayer income was $57,701 and average income was $74,246 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Nationally, this is high compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $64,977 and average income $83,608, factoring in a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Hornsby cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 34.2% of locals (8,018 people) predominantly fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This pattern is also seen in the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hornsby features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hornsby's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 35.3% houses and 64.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 61.4% houses and 38.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hornsby was at 23.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.5% and rented ones at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,240, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,500. The median weekly rent figure for Hornsby was $440, compared to Sydney metro's $480. Nationally, Hornsby's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.9% of all households, including 34.1% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Hornsby demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Hornsby is notably higher than national averages. 50.2% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 12.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.0% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education. As of a recent report (date not specified), Hornsby operates a network of 7 schools educating approximately 5,157 students. The area's ICSEA score is 1130, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 22.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.1, suggesting Hornsby serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Hornsby has 118 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 75 unique routes, offering a total of 8,249 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 202 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,178 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 69 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hornsby's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Hornsby's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 56% (~13,190 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.8%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 6.6 and 5.9% respectively. A total of 77.0% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.0%. Hornsby has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.7% (3,681 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 17.1%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Hornsby is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hornsby has a population where 52.8% speak a language other than English at home, with 53.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hornsby, accounting for 39.0%. Hinduism is notably higher at 10.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 7.3%.

The top ancestry groups are Chinese (19.0%), Other (17.6%), and English (16.4%). Korean (3.1%) and Russian (0.9%) have notable overrepresentation, while Filipino is slightly higher at 2.9% compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Hornsby is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.8%, while the 35-44 cohort has decreased from 17.8% to 17.0%. By 2041, Hornsby's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 62%, reaching 1,898 people from 1,172. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 59% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 5-14.