Lilyfield

An assessment of population growth drivers in Lilyfield reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Lilyfield is around 7,711 people. This reflects an increase of 70 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,641. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 7,692 plus an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Lilyfield stands at approximately 3,569 persons per square kilometer, placing it among the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the Census, Lilyfield has experienced a growth rate of 0.9%, comparing favorably with its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%. Overseas migration contributed around 65% of overall population gains in recent periods for Lilyfield.

AreaSearch projects future population dynamics based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year for SA2 areas covered by this data. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. By 2041, Lilyfield is projected to have an above median population growth, expanding by approximately 1,315 persons over the 17-year period. This reflects a total gain of 16.8% since 2026.

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

Lilyfield has recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 77 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. The average construction value of these new properties is $1,209,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, $18.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lilyfield records about 67% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 54th percentile nationally, though building activity has accelerated recently. New building activity consists of approximately 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift is notable compared to the current housing mix of 50.0% houses. Lilyfield has around 295 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lilyfield is forecasted to gain 1,296 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

AreaSearch has identified 37 infrastructure projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Rozelle Village Mixed-Use Precinct, Rozelle Village, Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Renovation, and Balmain Shores - Harbourwatch Building G. The following list details those expected to be 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 analysis reveals Lilyfield recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Lilyfield has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 5.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4,507 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.4% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Lilyfield is high at 75.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant proportion, 62.8%, of residents work from home, as indicated by Census responses. Key industries for employment include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. The area specialises in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.3%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Lilyfield's labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment by 1.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lilyfield's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Lilyfield had a median taxpayer income of $74,838 and an average income of $107,657 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, current estimates would be approximately $81,469 (median) and $117,195 (average). Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Lilyfield rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 95th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 37.5% of the population falls within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (48.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 94th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Lilyfield displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Lilyfield, as per the latest Census evaluation, 50.0% of dwellings were houses while the remaining 50.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan areas which had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilyfield stood at 28.7%, aligning with the Sydney metro average. Dwellings were either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,600, significantly higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Lilyfield was recorded at $520, substantially above the Sydney metro figure of $470 and the national average of $375.

Lilyfield features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.2% of all households, including 35.4% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Lilyfield demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Lilyfield's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 50.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. University graduates comprise 31.7%, postgraduate qualifications are held by 14.9%, and graduate diplomas by 4.1%. Vocational pathways account for 22.0%, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.4%), secondary (8.4%), tertiary (6.0%).

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

Lilyfield has 38 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 10 different routes, collectively facilitating 4539 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Lilyfield's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 70%, followed by bus at 9% and walking at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 62.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 648 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 119 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Lilyfield is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Lilyfield shows superior health outcomes as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is notably low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 69% of Lilyfield's total population (5,346 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in Lilyfield, affecting 8.7% and 7.3% of residents respectively. A total of 72.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Health outcomes for under-65s in Lilyfield are better than average. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,179 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average and align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Lilyfield's cultural diversity was evident, with 17.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.5% born overseas. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, comprising 43.1%. Judaism, however, was disproportionately represented at 0.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

Ancestry-wise, English (24.7%) and Australian (21.1%) were the top groups, with Irish following at 10.6%. Hungarian (0.5%), Welsh (0.8%), and Serbian (0.7%) ethnicities had notable representation in Lilyfield compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Lilyfield's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lilyfield's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lilyfield has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.8% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.5% to 11.4%, while the 55-64 age group rose from 12.5% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 age cohort declined from 16.3% to 15.2%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Lilyfield's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 67%, adding 275 residents to reach 684. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 57% of the population growth, while the number of those aged 5-14 is anticipated to decrease by 15%.