Hurstville

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

Hurstville's population is estimated at around 35,120 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from 31,162 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a 12.7% growth over five years. AreaSearch, after examining latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and validating new addresses since the Census date, estimated Hurstville's resident population at 33,977. This resulted in a density ratio of 8,422 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally assessed areas by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projects Hurstville's population to increase by 6,152 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a 14.3% total growth over the 17 years.

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 we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 6,152 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 14.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Hurstville shows an average of 149 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 745 homes. As of FY26, 45 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to about 2.7 new residents per dwelling annually between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $431,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development.

In this financial year, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Hurstville's primarily residential nature. New development consists of 33% detached houses and 67% attached dwellings, demonstrating a trend towards denser housing to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location has around 218 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hurstville is projected to add approximately 5,009 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones 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 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 positions Hurstville ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Hurstville has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2%. As of December 2025, Hurstville's unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and its workforce participation is 74.1%.

According to Census responses, 33.9% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Hurstville specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while education & training employs only 5.1% of local workers compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population.

In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2%, labour force by 5.3%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest Hurstville's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Hurstville is below the national average. The median income is $44,515 and the average is $59,415. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,459 (median) and $64,679 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,804 weekly), while personal income sits at the 28th percentile. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 34.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (12,221 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 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). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstville was at 24.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.4%) or rented (49.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $470, equal to Sydney metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Hurstville's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863.

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 make up 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, 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

Hurstville's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (43.8%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and New South Wales (NSW) (32.2%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 9.5%. Educational participation is high, with 33.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

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 routes, facilitating 11,819 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 122 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Hurstville sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 44%, followed by trains at 38% and buses at 10%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 33.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,688 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 83 weekly trips per individual stop. The provided map indicates 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

Health outcomes data shows outstanding results in Hurstville, based on AreaSearch's assessment as of June 2021. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 50% of the total population (~17,721 people) have private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 4.1 and 3.7% of residents respectively. 84.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. As of June 2021, 15.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (5,548 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Hurstville are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 70.8% of its residents born overseas and 80.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hurstville, comprising 28.3% of the population. However, Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 16.6% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese residents make up 44.1%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%. The category 'Other' comprises 23.3%, also substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%. English ancestry is notably lower at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 19.0%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Macedonian at 1.9% (vs 0.4%), Lebanese at 2.1% (vs 2.6%), and Greek at 2.7% (vs 1.9%).

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

Hurstville's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hurstville has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population of Hurstville's 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.7% to 9.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 15.6% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 10.0% to 8.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hurstville. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 75%, adding 1,211 residents to reach a total of 2,827. This growth is part of an overall aging trend, with residents aged 65 and older representing 56% of anticipated population growth. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.