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 May 2026, the estimated population of Hornsby is around 23,588, reflecting a growth of 1,126 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS reported a population of 22,462 in the suburb during the Census. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 23,586 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 150 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,828 persons per square kilometer, placing Hornsby in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth of 5.0% exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.5%, marking Hornsby as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 the 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Hornsby is expected to grow by approximately 2,140 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.1% over the 16-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. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 247 homes were approved, with a further 29 approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $570,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $22.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Relative to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% attached dwellings, with a skew toward compact living offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Hornsby shows a developed market with around 388 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,138 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Hornsby Park, Twin Towers Hornsby, transforming a quarry into parklands at Hornsby Park, and rezoning for transit-oriented development in the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan. 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.

Hornsby shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Hornsby's workforce is highly educated with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 8.6% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 12,442 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%. According to Census responses, 46.8% of Hornsby 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, but underrepresentation in construction at 4.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3%, labour force grew by 1.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Hornsby has a median taxpayer income of $57,703 and an average income of $74,248 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,658 (median) and $81,910 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Hornsby cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.2% of locals (8,067 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, placing disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally and 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 dwellings either mortgaged (32.5%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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, 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 high, with 50.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares favourably to national figures of 30.4% and state figures of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas making up 11.5% and certificates comprising 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.

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

Hornsby has 135 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 66 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,061 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 202 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Hornsby's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 59%, followed by train at 24% and walking at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 46.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 865 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location 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 excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of Hornsby's total population (~13,272 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues impact 6.6% of residents, while asthma affects 5.9%. A significant majority, 77.0%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Hornsby has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,726 people). Health outcomes among seniors are 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 high level of cultural diversity, with 52.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 53.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hornsby, comprising 39.0% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 10.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (19.0%), Other (17.6%), and English (16.4%). Some ethnic groups have notable representation in Hornsby: Korean at 3.1% (regional average 1.1%), Russian at 0.9% (regional average 0.4%), and Filipino at 2.9% (regional average 2.0%).

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 proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.0%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.6% to 12.0%, while the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 6.0% to 4.9%. By 2041, Hornsby's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 53% (634 people), reaching 1,837 from 1,202. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 61% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 5-14 age groups.