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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hornsby is around 23,707. This figure represents an increase of 1,245 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 22,462. The latest estimate from AreaSearch is based on the resident population of 23,254 as of June 2024 and includes 139 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing Hornsby in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate of 5.5% since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of its SA4 region (5.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of Hornsby's population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,456 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Hornsby indicates approximately 49 dwelling approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 247 homes were approved, with an additional 13 in FY-26 so far. The average construction cost value is about $570,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $22.0 million. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 43rd percentile nationally. New development consists of 49% standalone homes and 51% medium and high-density housing. The population is expected to grow by 2,003 residents by 2041.

Looking ahead, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,003 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects 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 likely to be 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 reveals Hornsby recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Hornsby has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 8.6% as of December 2025, which is 0.4 percentage points higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 8.2%. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.2%, while the labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points.

In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. As of December 2025, 12,348 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, indicating room for improvement compared to Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Hornsby was broadly similar to Greater Sydney's at 70.2%. According to Census responses, 46.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Hornsby shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction is under-represented at 4.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project 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, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Hornsby had a median taxpayer income of $57,703 and an average of $74,248 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income $83,003. By September 2025, current estimates suggest Hornsby's median income will be approximately $62,815 and average income $80,826, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. 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 (8,107 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to metropolitan regions 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 35.3% houses and 64.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hornsby was at 23.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.5%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hornsby was $2,240, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Hornsby was $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Hornsby's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were 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 constitute the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.6%. 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

Hornsby's residents aged 15+ have a notably higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 50.2% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (12.5%).

Educational participation is high in Hornsby, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary, 7.0% in tertiary, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Hornsby has 135 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 66 unique routes, facilitating 6,061 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 202 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Hornsby sees most residents commuting outward. Car remains the primary mode at 59%, followed by train at 24% and walking at 10%. The area has a lower-than-average vehicle ownership rate of 0.7 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 46.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 865 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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 exceptional results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 56% (~13,339 people) of Hornsby's total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 6.6 and 5.9% of residents respectively. Around 77.0% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents display low chronic condition prevalence. Hornsby has 16.5% (3,911 people) of its population aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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, comprising 39.0%. Hinduism is significantly higher in Hornsby at 10.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (19.0%), Other (17.6%), and English (16.4%). Korean (3.1%) and Russian (0.9%) are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively. Filipino representation is also higher at 2.9%.

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

The median age in Hornsby is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group of 15-24 years has increased from 10.6% to 12.1%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 4.2% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has decreased from 17.8% to 16.8%. By 2041, Hornsby's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this demographic change, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 52%, reaching 1,905 people from 1,256. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 62% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 5-14 age cohorts.