Melrose Park (NSW)

Melrose Park lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Melrose Park's population is estimated at around 3,103 people. This reflects an increase of 1,044 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,059 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,085, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 372 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,424 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Melrose Park's growth rate of 50.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant increase is forecast for Melrose Park, expected to grow by 791 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall decrease of 2.7% over the 17 years.

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

Melrose Park has averaged approximately 88 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 441 homes. As of FY26161 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have moved into the area between FY21 and FY25. This pace suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings in Melrose Park is $461,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY26, there have been $151.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Of the dwelling approvals, 12.0% are for detached dwellings and 88.0% for attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This change contrasts with the area's existing housing composition of 64.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With around 16 people moving into the area per dwelling approval, Melrose Park exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Despite population projections indicating stability or decline, reduced housing demand pressures are expected in Melrose Park, benefiting potential buyers.

Melrose Park 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 11 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Melrose Central, West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility, Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct (North), and Rivea Rydalmere. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Melrose Park rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Melrose Park has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over the same period was estimated at 9.2%. As of June 2025, 1,418 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Melrose Park was 66.1%, higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%.

Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Accommodation & food services had limited presence with 4.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as at Census time, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between July 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 9.2%, labour force grew by 9.0%, leading to a slight decrease in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% over the same period, with labour force growth at 2.9% and an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Melrose Park's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

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

Melrose Park's median income among taxpayers was $59,858 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $76,645 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Melrose Park's median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,406 and $86,310 respectively. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Melrose Park rank highly nationally, between the 76th and 76th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 34.1% of residents (1,058 people). This is similar to the regional figure where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident as 31.7% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Melrose Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Melrose Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.4% houses and 35.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had no data for houses or other dwellings. Home ownership in Melrose Park was at 30.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.2% and rented ones at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, aligning with Sydney metro's average. However, the median weekly rent was $490, unlike Sydney metro which had no data available. Nationally, Melrose Park's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Melrose Park has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households constitute 75.8% of all households, including 40.4% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.2%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people.

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

Educational attainment in Melrose Park is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 44.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (15.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2021. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. Melrose Park Public School provides local educational services within Melrose Park, with an enrollment of 175 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. As of 2021, the area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1092).

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

Melrose Park has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,395 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 139 meters.

On average, there are 199 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Melrose Park's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Melrose Park shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 57% (~1,774 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 5.0 and 4.8% of residents respectively. A total of 78.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. In Melrose Park, 14.2% (~440 people) are aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Melrose Park has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.6% of its population born overseas and 43.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Melrose Park, accounting for 57.7% of the population, compared to None% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (17.2%), English (15.4%), and Australian (14.9%).

Notably, Korean (6.4%) is overrepresented in Melrose Park compared to None% regionally, as are Lebanese (2.5%) and Italian (5.5%).

Melrose Park's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Melrose Park's median age in 2021 was 37 years, matching Greater Sydney's figure and remaining comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constituted 14.1% of Melrose Park's population in 2021, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort made up 14.5%. Between 2016 and 2021, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 12.6% to 14.1%, while the 0 to 4 cohort decreased from 5.7% to 4.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Melrose Park's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 13 people to reach 510, up from 449 in 2021. The aging population trend is evident with those aged 65 and above contributing to 58% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 45-54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.