Hornsby Heights

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

As of Nov 2025, Hornsby Heights' population is estimated at around 6,673, reflecting a 5.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,354 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which estimated the resident population at 6,626. The suburb's density ratio is 652 persons per square kilometer. Hornsby Heights' population growth since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area average of 4.3%, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Hornsby Heights are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2-level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Hornsby Heights is projected to grow by an above median rate, expanding its population by 1,011 persons, reflecting a 16.3% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hornsby Heights recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hornsby Heights has experienced around 16 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 82 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional two approved so far in FY-26. On average, 7.6 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This supply lagging behind demand typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $428,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hornsby Heights maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with the broader area's market balance. This is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints due to the area's maturity. Recent development consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% attached dwellings, a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 98.0% houses.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated count of 607 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Future projections show Hornsby Heights adding approximately 1,086 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Hornsby Park transformation from quarry to parklands, Mount Colah Station Upgrade, Arlington Heights Estate development, and Berowra Valley National Park Northern Extension. Details about these projects are provided below for relevance.

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 Heights faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Hornsby Heights, as of June 2025, has an unemployment rate of 7.4%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. The workforce is highly educated with a notable presence in the technology sector.

There are 3,436 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 66.4%, surpassing Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area specializes particularly in education & training with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Retail trade has a limited presence at 7.3%, compared to the regional rate of 9.3%. Over the year ending June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment declined by 3.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% and labour force expand by 2.9%, with a smaller increase in unemployment at 0.3 percentage points. 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 Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Hornsby Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $56,957. The average income stood at $72,716. This was above national averages and compared to $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,139 (median) and $81,885 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes ranked at the 93rd percentile with a weekly income of $2,699. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 28.2% of residents (1,881 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.9% in the same category. Economic strength was evident through 45.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounted for 14.2% of income while strong earnings ranked residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Hornsby Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Hornsby Heights, as reported in the latest Census, 97.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.4% being semi-detached, apartments, and other types. This compares to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 61.4% houses and 38.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hornsby Heights stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.2% and rented ones at 9.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,800, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,500. The median weekly rent in Hornsby Heights was $620 compared to Sydney metro's $480. Nationally, Hornsby Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hornsby Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 86.1% of all households, including 50.3% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 13.9%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 40.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 57.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (18.9%). Educational participation is high at 32.7%, including primary education (11.0%), secondary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (5.7%).

Hornsby Heights Public School serves the area, with an enrollment of 434 students. The school focuses on primary education and has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1101). There is one school in the area, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 56 active stops in Hornsby Heights, all bus services. Eight routes operate here, offering 405 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to nearest stop is 163 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Daily service frequency averages 57 trips across all routes, equating to around seven weekly trips per stop.

Hornsby Heights's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hornsby Heights. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3714 people), compared to 60.8% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.5 and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 72.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Sydney. As of 31 December 2020, 17.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (1154 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Hornsby Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hornsby Heights, surveyed in July-August 2016, had higher cultural diversity than most local areas. It had 20.9% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 31.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 48.8%.

Judaism was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.4%. Top ancestry groups were English (26.2%), Australian (24.0%), and Other (10.5%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Russian (0.7% vs regional 0.6%), South African (0.9% vs 0.6%), and Korean (0.8% vs 2.0%).

Hornsby Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Hornsby Heights is 41 years, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 years and slightly older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Hornsby Heights at 17.4%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 12.1%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has risen from 16.3% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 6.9% to 5.0%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Hornsby Heights' age profile will evolve significantly. The 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 250 residents to reach 1,065. Residents aged 65 and older represent 55% of the anticipated population growth. However, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.