McGraths Hill

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

The population of McGraths Hill is estimated at approximately 2,697 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 160 people since the 2021 Census, when the suburb's population was recorded at 2,537. AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date, estimated the resident population to be around 2,454. This results in a density ratio of 872 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 6.3% since the census positions it within 0.8 percentage points of the state average of 7.1%. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing McGraths Hill in the top 10 percent of national areas. The suburb is expected to grow by 1,381 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.2% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in McGraths Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows McGraths Hill has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 16 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-20/21 and FY-25/26. By June 2026, 10 dwellings had been approved in FY-26/27.

Population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $522,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26/27, $154,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, McGraths Hill has significantly less development activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development has picked up but remains below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All recent development has comprised detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 398 people. Looking ahead, McGraths Hill is expected to grow by 1,138 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

McGraths Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact the area: Melonba Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre (opening 2016), Newpark Estate (commencement unknown), Pitt Town Bypass (construction started 2017, completion expected 2020), and Multiple Residential Subdivisions Box Hill (approval granted 2015).

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 McGraths Hill recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

McGraths Hill has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is particularly prominent. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 6.0%.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison to Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, McGraths Hill's unemployment rate is 1.8% higher. Workforce participation in McGraths Hill is similar to Greater Sydney's rate of 68.8%. According to Census responses, 28.8% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high specialization in construction, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 4.0% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's rate of 11.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4%, with a simultaneous 5.7% decline in employment, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McGraths Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. McGraths Hill's median income among taxpayers was $61,127 with an average of $74,204. This is above 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 $67,435 (median) and $81,862 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in McGraths Hill cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 39.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,070 residents). High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 75th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In McGraths Hill, as per the latest Census, 92.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McGraths Hill stood at 28.8%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.5% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,392, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in McGraths Hill was $450 compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, McGraths Hill's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,392 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 82.0% of all households, including 42.5% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 16.3% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

McGraths Hill shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 40.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 33.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.7% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 41 active stops operating within McGraths Hill, comprising a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes, collectively facilitating 420 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 28.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

McGraths Hill's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

McGraths Hill's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~1,517 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.7%) and mental health issues (7.0%). 72.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (296 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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

McGraths Hill, as per the Census conducted on 29 August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 57.9% of McGraths Hill's population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 30.6%, English 28.3%, and Scottish 7.7% of McGraths Hill's population.

While Australian and English ancestry were higher than the regional averages of 17.8% and 19.0% respectively, Scottish ancestry was lower. Notably, Maltese ancestry at 2.7% was higher than the regional average of 1.0%, while Russian at 0.5% and Lebanese at 1.2% were lower compared to their respective regional averages of 0.4% and 2.6%.

McGraths Hill hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

McGraths Hill's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, McGraths Hill has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.8% to 13.6%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 6.7% to 5.2%. The 45-54 age group has also declined, from 12.6% to 11.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in McGraths Hill, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age cohort, expected to grow by 55%, adding 222 residents to reach a total of 630.