Hurstville

Population growth drivers in Hurstville are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Hurstville's population is estimated at around 35,292 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,130 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 31,162 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 34,791, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 996 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,463 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Hurstville's 13.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.5%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As future population trends are examined, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 5,543 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 14.3% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Hurstville among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hurstville averaged around 149 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 745 homes. As of FY-26, 63 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling approved between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of new homes was $431,000.

In FY-26, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered. New development consisted of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% attached dwellings. Hurstville had approximately 218 people per dwelling approval as of the latest data.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hurstville is projected to add 5,042 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, supporting good conditions for buyers and potentially growth beyond current population projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Horizon Hurstville, 53-75 Forest Road Mixed Development, 108-124 Forest Road Residential Development, and Lotus Residence Hurstville. The following list details those most likely 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 analysis places Hurstville well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Hurstville has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 5.3%, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 21,537 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is 71.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high 33.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Hurstville has particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, education & training employs just 5.1% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force increased by 5.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Hurstville. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hurstville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Hurstville is $44,515 and average income is $59,415. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $49,109 and average income is $65,547. Census data from August 2021 shows household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,804 weekly) and personal income at the 28th percentile. The largest earnings segment comprises 34.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (12,281 residents), similar to Greater Sydney's 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Hurstville features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hurstville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 30.1% houses and 69.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstville stood at 24.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.4% and rented ones at 49.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Hurstville was $470, matching the Sydney metro figure. Nationally, Hurstville's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

Hurstville features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.4% of all households, including 31.7% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 8.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Hurstville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Hurstville is notably higher than national averages. As of 2016, 43.8% of residents aged 15 years or above held university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 years or above, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 9.5%. Educational participation is high in Hurstville, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 11.1% in tertiary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Hurstville has 141 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 47 individual routes, collectively facilitating 11,819 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 122 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound: cars remain dominant at 44%, followed by trains at 38% and buses at 10%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.7, below the regional average. The 2021 Census reports that 33.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,688 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 83 weekly trips per stop. An accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Hurstville's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Hurstville's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 50% (~17,808 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 4.1% and 3.7% of residents respectively.

84.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area has 15.1% (5,329 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings.

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

Hurstville has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 70.8% of its population born overseas and 80.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hurstville, accounting for 28.3% of the population. However, Hinduism is significantly overrepresented compared to the Greater Sydney average, comprising 16.6% of Hurstville's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (44.1%), Other (23.3%), and English (6.9%). Notably, Macedonian (1.9%) and Greek (2.7%) ancestry is overrepresented compared to the regional averages, while Lebanese ancestry (2.1%) is slightly underrepresented.

Hurstville's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Hurstville's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hurstville has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (24.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.4%). This concentration of 25-34-year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the proportion of Hurstville's population aged 15-24 has increased from 15.6% to 17.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.0% to 8.8%. The proportion of children aged 5-14 has also dropped, from 8.5% to 7.4%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Hurstville's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow the most, with a projected increase of 79%, adding 1,224 residents to reach a total of 2,777. The demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the number of residents in the 35-44 age range is expected to decrease by 15%.