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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Melrose Park's population is estimated at around 2,134 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 75 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,059 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,123 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 372 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,667 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Melrose Park has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the metropolitan area. Population growth for the area 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, as 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase is forecast for Melrose Park (NSW) statistical area (Lv2), with an expected growth of 852 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 44.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Melrose Park when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis shows Melrose Park averaged around 62 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 310 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 53 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.4, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $467,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY-26, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Building activity shows 8.0% detached dwellings and 92.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the existing housing composition of 64.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Melrose Park has around 63 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Melrose Park will gain 945 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Melrose Park 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 13 projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Melrose Central, West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility, Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct (North), and Dawn Melrose Park. The following list details those likely 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 is 2.1%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 8.4%. As of September 2025, 1,439 residents are employed and workforce participation is high at 66.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Accommodation & food services have limited presence with 4.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The worker-to-resident ratio is substantial, indicating local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 8.4%, labour force by 8.2%, leading to a slight unemployment rate decrease of 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% with a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted slightly at 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 predict overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between industries. Applying these projections to Melrose Park's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Melrose Park has an income level above the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Melrose Park is $57,734, with an average income of $74,292. These figures compare to those for Greater Sydney, which are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year 2023, current estimates project median income at approximately $62,849 and average income at around $80,874 by September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Melrose Park all rank highly nationally, between the 76th and 76th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates, with 34.1% of residents (727 people) falling into this category, similar to the regional figure of 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 31.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Advantage (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Melrose Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

In Melrose Park, as per the latest Census evaluation, 64.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 35.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. Home ownership stood at 30.6%, with 42.2% of dwellings mortgaged and 27.2% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, and the median weekly rent was $490. Nationally, Melrose Park's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 24.2%, with lone person households making up 21.1% and group households comprising 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

Melrose Park's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 44.3% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and New South Wales' (NSW) 32.2%. University graduates comprise the largest group at 28.9%, followed by postgraduate degree holders at 12.3% and graduate diploma holders at 3.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.4% while certificates make up 15.7%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 12 individual routes in operation. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 1,349.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 139 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 192 trips per day, equating to approximately 61 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 56% (~1,201 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.0%) and arthritis (4.8%), while 78.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. In Melrose Park, 14.1% (~300 people) are aged 65 and over, with seniors displaying strong health outcomes, similar to 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 dominant religion in Melrose Park, making up 57.7% of people there, 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 the regional average of None%, as are Lebanese (2.5%) and Italian (5.5%).

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

Melrose Park has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and remaining close to Australia's 38 years. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 14.1%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 14.6%. Between 2021 and present day, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.1% of the population. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has declined from 5.7% to 4.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Melrose Park's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 71%, increasing from 311 to 533 people.