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, Hornsby's population is estimated at around 23,707, reflecting an increase of 1,245 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.5% increase from the previous population count of 22,462. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of new addresses, was 23,254. This places Hornsby's population density at 2,842 persons per square kilometer, ranking it in the upper quartile compared to other national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hornsby's growth rate since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of its SA4 region (5.8%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas covered by this data and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered. 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 2,444 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of just below the median national statistical area and an overall increase of 8.7% 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 has experienced around 49 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 248 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. The average construction cost value of new properties is $571,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

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 limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. 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.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hornsby is expected to grow by 2,066 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may 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 the technology sector notably represented. The unemployment rate in Hornsby is 9.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 12,233 residents employed, while the unemployment rate stands at 5.5% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Hornsby is similar to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 46.8% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Hornsby specializes 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 based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Hornsby's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment decreased by 1.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment at 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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.

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 the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, which contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $62,815 and an average income of $80,826, considering the 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, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% 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

Hornsby's dwelling structure in its latest Census comprised 35.3% houses and 64.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership within 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, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Hornsby's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 make up 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 educational attainment significantly exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 50.2% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%.

Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 12.5%. Educational participation is notably 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

Hornsby has 135 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 66 routes, facilitating 6,061 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 202 meters from the nearest stop. Most Hornsby residents commute outward daily. Car remains 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, 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 stop. The provided 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 according to AreaSearch's evaluation. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~13,339 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 6.6 and 5.9% respectively. 77.0% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,864 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, as of 2016 Census data, has a culturally diverse population with 52.8% speaking languages other than English at home and 53.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hornsby, accounting for 39.0% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 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%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Hornsby relative to the regional averages of 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively, with Filipino also slightly 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, similar to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.4%). From the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.6% to 12.1%, while the 35-44 age group declined from 17.8% to 16.8%. By 2041, Hornsby is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 54% (666 people), reaching 1,899 from 1,232. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 62% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.