Lilyfield

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Lilyfield is around 7,711. This reflects an increase of 70 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,641 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,692 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,569 persons per square kilometer, placing Lilyfield in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Lilyfield has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Lilyfield expected to expand by 1,405 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Lilyfield recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 77 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. The population has declined recently, suggesting new supply has kept pace with demand.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $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 around 66% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 54th percentile nationally. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New building activity comprises 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend toward denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a significant shift from the current housing mix of 50.0% houses.

Lilyfield has around 295 people per dwelling approval, indicating low-density characteristics. Population forecasts suggest Lilyfield will gain 1,572 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

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Rozelle Village Mixed-Use Precinct, Rozelle Village, Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Renovation, and Balmain Shores - Harbourwatch Building G. 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 analysis reveals Lilyfield recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Lilyfield has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is particularly well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In Lilyfield, 4,516 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Lilyfield was 76.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Based on Census responses, 62.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance.

Lilyfield had a particularly high representation in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing showed 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 September 2025, Lilyfield's labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lilyfield's employment mix indicates local employment growth of 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Lilyfield was $74,838 during financial year 2023. The average income was $107,657. These figures are exceptionally high nationally, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income being $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lilyfield would be approximately $81,469 (median) and $117,195 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows 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

The dwelling structure in Lilyfield, as per the latest Census, consisted of 50.0% houses and 50.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Lilyfield was at 28.7%, similar to the Sydney metro average, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented ones at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lilyfield was $3,600, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Lilyfield was recorded at $520, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lilyfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households making up 4.1%. 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 is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 50.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. University graduates make up the largest group at 31.7%, followed by postgraduates (14.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational qualifications account for 22.0%, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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 residing 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, a high 62.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 648 trips per day across all routes, translating 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 based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is notably low across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (5,346 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.7% of residents and asthma impacting 7.3%. Notably, 72.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,164 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning 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, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 17.3% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 28.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Lilyfield, comprising 43.1% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Lilyfield compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.5% versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English comprised 24.7% of Lilyfield's population, significantly higher than the regional average of 19.0%. Australian ancestry followed with 21.1%, and Irish was at 10.6%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.5% compared to 0.3% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Serbian at 0.7% compared to 0.5%.

Lilyfield's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lilyfield's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Lilyfield has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 45-54 (16.5%) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.5% to 11.3%, while the 75-84 cohort grew from 4.0% to 5.2%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 35-44 decreased from 16.3% to 15.0%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Lilyfield's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 72%, adding 289 residents to reach 690. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to account for half of the population growth, while the 5-14 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 1%.