Lawson (NSW)

Lawson 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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Lawson (NSW) is around 2,806. This reflects an increase of 155 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,651. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of 12 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 384 persons per square kilometer. Lawson's growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area at 1.6%, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.0% 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 150 persons to reach approximately 2,956 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 5.3% over the 16-year period.

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

Lawson has seen approximately 11 new homes approved each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. This totals an estimated 58 homes over the past five financial years, ending in FY26 with 5 recorded approvals so far. Despite a population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Lawson is $409,000.

This year, there have also been $343,000 in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lawson shows 115.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently. All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining Lawson's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population density is 533 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Lawson is projected to add 150 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Lawson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that may impact this particular area. Notable projects include Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Paling Yards Wind Farm, and Sydney Metro Program, with the following list specifying those most relevant.

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The labour market in Lawson shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Lawson has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, Lawson had 1,520 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.6% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was slightly below the standard at 65.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census data revealed that 40.4% of Lawson's residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, education & training has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, finance & insurance has limited presence with only 1.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, with employment decreasing by 3.1%, resulting in a fall of 0.6 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project an increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lawson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Lawson's median income among taxpayers is $47,979, with an average of $58,187. This is below the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,930 (median) and $64,192 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Lawson rank modestly, between the 34th and 36th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.2% of residents (903 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lawson, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Lawson's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lawson stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 44.0% and rented dwellings making up 18.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,849, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Lawson was $387, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lawson's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Lawson features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 33.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 23.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (23.8%).

Educational participation is high at 27.3%, comprising primary education (8.4%), secondary education (7.0%), and tertiary education (4.6%).

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

Lawson has 29 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 20 different routes, together facilitating 905 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents situated on average 278 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters travelling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 87%, while train usage stands at 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 129 trips per day, equating to roughly 31 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Lawson is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Lawson faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Mental health issues impact 10.9% of residents, while asthma affects 9.3%.

Approximately 62.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,402 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (600 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Lawson ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lawson had a low cultural diversity, with 81.9% born in Australia, 91.5% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home as of 2016. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 39.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Top ancestral groups were English (30.8%), Australian (26.4%), and Scottish (9.3%). Welsh (1.1%), French (0.9%), and Dutch (1.8%) were also notably overrepresented.

Lawson hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Lawson has a median age of 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average age of 37 years and Australia's average age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lawson has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). This concentration of residents aged 55-64 is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, Lawson's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 4.8% to 7.6%, while the age group of 35 to 44 increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the age group of 45 to 54 decreased from 14.2% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Lawson's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 41%, reaching 300 people from 213. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Lawson's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 are projected to decrease in number.