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

As of Feb 2026, AreaSearch estimates Illawong's population at around 7,469, indicating a growth of 42 people since the 2021 Census. This increase reflects a resident population estimate of 7,456 by AreaSearch following analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of nine new addresses post-census. Illawong's population density is 1,569 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb experienced a growth rate of 0.6% since the census, compared to the SA3 area's 3.1%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of Illawong's population gains during recent periods. For projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas.

By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 16 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Illawong has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually over the past 5 financial years from FY18 to FY22. This totals an estimated 23 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded.

The area's population decline has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $805,000, indicating developers' 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, supporting 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 FY18 has been detached houses, preserving its suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 1492 people per approval, Illawong shows a mature, established area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 3 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five key projects expected to influence the region. These include Illawong Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Baxter Place, Blaxland Riverside Estate, and Heathcote Road Upgrade - Infantry Parade to The Avenue. Further details on these projects are provided below.

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. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

As of December 2025, 4,068 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Illawong was 68.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 45.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in construction (strongly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level), education & training, and health care & social assistance (under-represented at 11.9%).

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 0.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment expansion by 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Illawong had a median taxpayer income of $61,798 and an average income of $81,630 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. These figures are significantly higher than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,273 (median) and $88,862 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes in Illawong rank at the 94th percentile with an average weekly income of $2,778. Income brackets show that 28.5% of locals fall into the $4000+ category, compared to the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 30.9%. Notably, 46.0% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Illawong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.4% houses and 7.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Illawong stood at 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 $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Illawong was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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 constitute 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 comprising 0.8%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Illawong residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (31.9%) compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common (22.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.8% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.3%, certificates at 22.5%. Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (8.6%), secondary (8.2%), and 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 of public transport in Illawong shows there are 56 active transport stops currently operating. These stops primarily serve buses from 27 individual routes, collectively providing 1,148 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 91%, while train usage stands at 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Illawong is 2.1, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages at 164 trips per day, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Illawong's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions have very low prevalence across all age groups. Approximately 59% (4,417 people) of Illawong's total population has private health cover, which is notably high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis affecting 7.5% of residents and asthma impacting 6.0%. A significant 72.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Illawong has a higher proportion of seniors, with 25.0% (1,867 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align broadly with national rankings.

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 high cultural diversity, with 24.2% born overseas and 24.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Illawong, accounting for 69.6%, compared to 49.2% 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%) groups were overrepresented in Illawong compared to regional averages of 2.6% and 1.9%, respectively. Croatian ancestry was also higher at 1.6%.

Illawong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Illawong has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and is significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 14.9% of Illawong's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.7%. This 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national figure of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 7.7%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 13.3% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 16.2% to 12.3%, and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 9.8% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Illawong's age profile will undergo significant changes. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 167%, reaching 479 people from 179. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 82% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.