Lilyfield

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

Lilyfield's population is estimated at 7,732 as of May 2026. This reflects a growth of 91 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,641. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,732 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2025 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,579 persons per square kilometer for Lilyfield. Compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch, this places it in the upper quartile. Since the Census, Lilyfield has experienced a growth rate of 1.2%, positioning it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.1%.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 65% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 1,302 persons, reflecting a gain of 16.8% over the 16-year period.

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 has recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 77 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering a good choice for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,209,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. In FY-26, there have been $18.5 million in commercial approvals registered, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lilyfield records about 67% of the building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 54th percentile of areas assessed, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 50.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. With around 289 people per dwelling approval, Lilyfield shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lilyfield is forecasted to gain 1,302 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects that could impact this region. 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's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate stands at 5.7%, as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4374 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Lilyfield is 72.8%, slightly above Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 62.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Lilyfield specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level but has lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, Lilyfield's labour force decreased by 2.3% and employment by 2.6%, leading to an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project 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 should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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 latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $82,561 (median) and $118,767 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Lilyfield all rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 95th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 37.5% of the population (2,899 individuals) fall 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 and 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

Dwelling structure in Lilyfield, as per the latest Census, consisted of 50.0% houses and 50.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilyfield was at 28.7%, matching Sydney metro levels, with mortgaged properties at 34.6% and rented ones at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,600, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Lilyfield was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lilyfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure 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 constitute the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 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 high, with 50.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+, 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 education, 8.4% in secondary education, 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 4,539 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 167 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 70%, followed by buses at 9% and walking at 8%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.9, 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 based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notably low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 69% (5,361 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%, and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 8.7% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.3%. Around 72.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The under-65 population exhibits better than average health outcomes. Lilyfield has 15.2% (1,175 people) residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors being above average, broadly in line 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 population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 17.3% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to the majority of local markets. Born overseas, 28.5% of Lilyfield residents were recorded. Christianity was the dominant religion in Lilyfield, comprising 43.1%.

Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Lilyfield at 0.5%, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 0.8%. Regarding ancestry, English was most represented at 24.7%, above the regional average of 19.0%. Australian and Irish ancestry followed, with 21.1% and 10.6% respectively. Hungarian (0.5%), Welsh (0.8%), and Serbian (0.7%) ethnicities were notably more represented in Lilyfield than regionally.

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 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. The 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Lilyfield at 16.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.0% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has decreased from 16.3% to 15.1%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Lilyfield's age profile by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 68%, adding 277 residents to reach 687. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 56% of the population growth, while the 5 to 14 age range is anticipated to fall by 17%.