Illawong

Illawong is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Illawong's estimated population is around 7,459. This reflects an increase of 32 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,427. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,456 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,567 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Illawong's 0.4% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with Illawong expected to expand by 15 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.6% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Illawong is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Illawong granted around 4 residential property approvals annually on average over the past five financial years to June 2021, totalling approximately 23 homes. As of July 2026, 2 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline while maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $805,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. Compared to Greater Sydney, Illawong has markedly lower building activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This limited new supply is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Illawong since 2017 has been detached houses, preserving its suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 1493 people per approval on average. Population forecasts indicate Illawong will gain approximately 41 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the local area significantly. These key projects include Illawong Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Baxter Place, Blaxland Riverside Estate, and Heathcote Road Upgrade from Infantry Parade to The Avenue.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Illawong well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Illawong has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of September 2025, 4,073 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is 62.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in construction (1.4 times the regional level), education & training, and health care & social assistance (11.9%). Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force by 1.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points.

In comparison, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose slightly. Statewide in NSW, employment contracted by 0.03% to November 25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Illawong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Illawong suburb shows median taxpayer income $61,798 and average $81,630 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is high nationally compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $67,273 (median) and $88,862 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data ranks household incomes at the 94th percentile ($2,778 weekly). Income brackets indicate 28.5% of locals earn above $4,000 weekly (2,125 people), contrasting with the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 30.9%. Notably, 46.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

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

In Illawong, as per the latest Census, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metro's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Illawong was 50.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.7% and rented ones at 8.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,976, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,600. Median weekly rent in Illawong was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $483. Nationally, Illawong's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 89.4% of all households, including 47.5% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 10.6%, with lone person households at 9.8% and group households making up 0.8%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Illawong exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Illawong's residents aged 15+ have 31.9% university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.8%, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (22.5%). Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (8.6%), secondary (8.2%), tertiary (5.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows that Illawong has 58 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 27 different routes that together facilitate 1,148 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 180 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 164 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Illawong is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Illawong shows above-average health outcomes, with both young and elderly residents having low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 59% (4,411 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 61.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and asthma (6.0%). 72.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.6% in Greater Sydney. Illawong has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.9% (1,782 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Illawong was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Illawong's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 24.2% born overseas and 24.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Illawong, comprising 69.6%, compared to 61.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (22.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (9.1%).

Notably, Lebanese (5.6%) and Greek (5.7%) populations exceeded regional averages of 1.1% and 2.2%, respectively, while Croatian stood at 1.6% compared to the region's 0.6%.

Illawong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Illawong's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 14.5% of Illawong's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 8.1%. This 65-74 concentration is notably above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 7.1%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 13.3% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 16.2% to 12.9%, and the 25 to 34 group has fallen from 9.8% to 8.1%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Illawong's age profile by 2041, with the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 61%, reaching 851 people from 529. The aging population trend is evident, as those aged 65 and above will comprise 83% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.