Hurlstone Park

Hurlstone Park has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the population of Hurlstone Park is estimated to be around 5,243 people. This reflects an increase of 242 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,001. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,190 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 68 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,369 persons per square kilometer, placing Hurlstone Park in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2012 to 2022, Hurlstone Park has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for covered areas, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for uncovered areas. Considering these projected demographic shifts, Hurlstone Park is expected to experience population growth just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an increase of 601 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.3% over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Hurlstone Park, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Hurlstone Park shows approximately 12 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 63 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 2.8 people have moved to the area per new home constructed during this period, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $389,000. In comparison, $304,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Relative to Greater Sydney, Hurlstone Park has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 7th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is also below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 7.0% detached dwellings and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, providing affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 53.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options.

With approximately 3456 people per dwelling approval, Hurlstone Park exhibits a highly mature market. Population forecasts suggest Hurlstone Park will gain 592 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. Three projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Earlwood Town Centre Speed Limit Reduction, Sydney Metro City & Southwest, NSW School Infrastructure Program - Inner West, and Dulwich Hill Parks 10-Year Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Hurlstone Park has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Hurlstone Park has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,875 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 66.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 63.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training, with the latter being particularly strong at 1.5 times the regional level. Retail trade was under-represented at 6.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 9.3%.

The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Sydney's employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates varied significantly. Applying these projections to Hurlstone Park's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. In Hurlstone Park, median income among taxpayers was $56,944, with an average of $74,432. This is above the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $61,989 (median) and $81,027 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Hurlstone Park cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 33.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hurlstone Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hurlstone Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.4% houses and 46.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurlstone Park stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.4% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Hurlstone Park was $460, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Hurlstone Park's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hurlstone Park features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.2% of all households, including 30.8% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Hurlstone Park faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Hurlstone Park's residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher proportion with university qualifications (42.7%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and New South Wales (NSW) (32.2%). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (26.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 12.7%. Educational participation is significantly high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.6% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hurlstone Park has 41 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes that together facilitate 3,328 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 124 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 70%, while 16% use trains for their commutes. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 63.8%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 475 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Hurlstone Park is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Hurlstone Park shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, nearing the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is very high in Hurlstone Park, with approximately 56% of the total population (~2,953 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.4% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Hurlstone Park has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,069 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Hurlstone Park is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hurlstone Park has a high level of cultural diversity, with 38.1% of its population born overseas and 38.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hurlstone Park, comprising 49.6% of the population. However, Buddhism shows an overrepresentation, making up 3.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.8%), Australian (16.2%), and Other (13.5%). Notably, Greek (7.7%) Lebanese (4.4%), and Spanish (0.8%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Hurlstone Park compared to regional averages of 1.9%, 2.6%, and 0.6% respectively.

Hurlstone Park's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hurlstone Park is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 13.0% of the population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 5-14 age group makes up 8.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 10.3%, whereas the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 10.0% to 8.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Hurlstone Park. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 182 people and reaching a total of 555 from the previous figure of 372. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 69% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.