Lurnea

Population growth drivers in Lurnea are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Lurnea's population is estimated at around 10,750 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 693 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,057 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,703 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,300 persons per square kilometer, placing Lurnea in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Lurnea has shown resilient growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, outperforming Greater Sydney. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected for Lurnea, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,076 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lurnea among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Lurnea had approximately 58 dwelling approvals annually, totalling around 293 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 40 recorded approvals. Each year, about 2.3 new residents were gained per dwelling built on average. The average construction cost for these dwellings was $265,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals amounted to $1.4 million. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lurnea has around three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks in the 73rd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprised 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments. This represents a shift from the area's current housing composition of 75.0% houses, indicating decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Lurnea has approximately 172 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 2,065 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact this region. Major initiatives include the M5 Motorway Westbound Upgrade, Avala Apartments Miller, Milperra Community Hub by Mirvac, and Lurnea Community Hub. 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.

Employment drivers in Lurnea are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Lurnea has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. In the year ending September 2025, unemployment stood at 10.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.5%.

As of September 2025, 3,581 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Greater Sydney's by 6.0% points. Workforce participation in Lurnea was lower at 49.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Homeworking among residents was moderate at 23.4%, as per Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

However, transport, postal & warehousing had a particularly strong presence with an employment share twice the regional level. Professional & technical services had limited presence at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.5%, while the labour force grew by 4.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lurnea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Lurnea has an income level below the national average, according to data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Lurnea is $49,109, while the average income stands at $57,593. These figures compare with those for Greater Sydney, which are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lurnea's median income would be approximately $53,460 by September 2025, with the average income estimated at $62,696 during the same period. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Lurnea all fall between the 2nd and 16th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.5% of the community (3,171 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lurnea, with only 74.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Lurnea is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Lurnea, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.3% houses and 24.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lurnea was at 25.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,080, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Lurnea was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lurnea's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Lurnea features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.8% of all households, including 41.4% couples with children, 15.5% couples without children, and 19.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Lurnea fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (20.0%). Educational participation is high, with 36.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.8% in primary, 10.6% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.8% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 72 active transport stops operating within Lurnea. These stops are serviced by 31 individual routes, collectively providing 3034 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 137 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 87%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.4% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 433 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lurnea is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Lurnea faces notable health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are significant, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Approximately 50% (~5,348 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and asthma (6.8%). About 73.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes than the national average. Lurnea has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,429 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally compared to broader population figures.

Lurnea is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lurnea, one of Australia's most culturally diverse areas, has a population where 46.1% were born overseas and 64.7% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lurnea, with 40.6% of people identifying as such. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 32.1% of the population compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (30.5%), Australian (15.0%), and Lebanese (13.4%). The latter two groups are substantially higher than their respective regional averages of 2.6% and 16.0%. Additionally, Serbian (1.9%) and Samoan (1.6%) populations are notably higher compared to the region's averages of 0.5%, while Spanish representation is slightly above average at 0.9%.

Lurnea hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Lurnea's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lurnea has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.4%). According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 13.9% to 15.8%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 11.0% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Lurnea's age profile will change significantly. The 15-24 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 420 residents to reach a total of 2,119. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 8%, with an increase of 65 residents.