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 23,706. This reflects an increase of 1,244 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,462. The change is inferred from AreaSearch estimates based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing Hornsby in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since census, Hornsby's growth rate of 5.5% is within 0.2 percentage points of its SA4 region (5.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Hornsby area.

AreaSearch projections for each SA2 area are adopted based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. 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 2,442 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.7% in total 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hornsby has experienced around 49 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 248 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and 9 have been approved so far in FY-26. The population has declined recently, suggesting new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $571,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. In FY-26, there have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Development activity has picked up recently. 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 386 people per approval. Looking ahead, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,072 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development appears to be keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Hornsby has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Hornsby Park, Twin Towers Hornsby, Hornsby Park - from quarry to parklands, and 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 significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 9.7% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

By September 2025, Hornsby had 12,229 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is 1.3 percentage points 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 were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance had an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction was under-represented at 4.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

Many Hornsby residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, Hornsby's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment decreased by 1.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate of 2.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Hornsby suburb has a median taxpayer income of $57,703 and an average income of $74,248 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $62,815 and average income around $80,826, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Hornsby cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.2% of locals (8,107 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen across metropolitan regions where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income in Hornsby, 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

The dwelling structure in Hornsby, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 35.3% houses and 64.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas, where 61.4% were houses and 38.6% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Hornsby stood at 23.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.5% and rented dwellings at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,240, lower than the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,500. The median weekly rent in Hornsby was $440, compared to $480 in Sydney metro areas. Nationally, Hornsby's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,240 against the Australian average of $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 comprise the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 50.2% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions Hornsby favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 comprising 11.5% and certificates making up 12.5%. Educational participation is high in Hornsby, 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.

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

The analysis of public transport in Hornsby shows that there are 127 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The total number of routes servicing these stops is 66.

Together, they facilitate 6,061 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 202 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 865 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 47 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Hornsby, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~13,339 people), compared to 61.4% across Greater Sydney.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 6.6% and 5.9% of residents respectively. 77.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Sydney. As of 2016, 15.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,721 people), which is lower than the 17.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health 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, and 53.8% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hornsby, with 39.0% of people practicing it. Hinduism is notably higher in Hornsby at 10.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 7.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese comprise 19.0%, Other 17.6%, and English 16.4% of the population. Korean (3.1%), Russian (0.9%), and Filipino (2.9%) groups are overrepresented in Hornsby compared to regional averages of 2.0%, 0.6%, and 2.1%, respectively.

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%). From the 2021 Census to 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 expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 60% (712 people), reaching 1,898 from 1,185. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 61% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 5-14.