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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Menai is $1.82m, with units at $1.20m. House values have moved 5.4% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Menai has an estimated 10,355 residents, down from 10,419 at the 2021 Census. That puts 800 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Menai has a residency count estimated at 10,355 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 64 individuals (0.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,419 residents. This shift is derived from the estimated resident population of 10,355, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and subsequent address validations after the Census. The local population density stands at 800 persons per square kilometer, a level that aligns closely with standard averages across areas analysed by AreaSearch.
Inward overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, accounting for approximately 59.0% of total growth in recent times. AreaSearch incorporates demographic projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 sectors, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For areas lacking this coverage, projections from the NSW State Government at the SA2 level are used, published in 2022 with a 2021 baseline. Projected age cohort growth rates from these sources are extended to all localities for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic movements, growth is projected in the lowest quartile of national statistical regions, with the suburb of Menai expected to add 141 individuals by 2041 under these combined SA2 projections, representing an overall increase of 1.4% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
89 new dwellings have been approved in Menai over the past five years, an average of 17 a year. That is 1.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 67% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building permit records allocated from statistical area statistics, the suburb of Menai has averaged approximately 17 new residential approvals annually, amounting to an estimated 89 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. For the current FY-26 period, no approvals have been registered. Given the local population contraction, the addition of new housing has likely matched demand, providing buyers with suitable options. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $8.5 million have been logged during this financial year, pointing to a quiet commercial development sector. Relative to Greater Sydney, the rate of new residential permits per capita in the suburb of Menai is approximately half, placing it in the 4th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, which translates to fewer choices for buyers and supports demand for established houses.
This building activity also falls below the national average, reflecting the mature nature of the locality and potential planning constraints. Newly approved housing is split between 67.0% freestanding houses and 33.0% semi-detached or attached dwellings, with a shifting selection of townhomes and units offering choices across diverse budgets, ranging from family residences to compact layouts. Looking ahead, the suburb of Menai is projected to expand by 141 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Judging by recent building trends, the creation of new housing is positioned to easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population increases above current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Menai
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 18 current infrastructure and development projects close to Menai, worth an estimated $520 million. 3 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes heavily influence regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 key projects expected to affect the local area. Significant undertakings include the Heathcote Road Upgrade - Infantry Parade to The Avenue, Blaxland Riverside Estate, Revesby Workers Club Redevelopment, and M6 Stage 2, with the list below highlighting those of greatest local relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Illawong Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment and expansion of Illawong Village Shopping Centre including refurbishment of the existing centre, additional retail floor space, new specialty tenancies, upgraded public domain, improved parking and associated site works. The project received planning approval and has progressed into the delivery phase.
Grand Vermont
New residential development at 48 Vermont Street featuring contemporary apartments with premium finishes, rooftop gardens and proximity to Sutherland train station
Sutherland Public School Hall Upgrade
Construction of a new multipurpose hall at Sutherland Public School, including a stage, indoor sports court, canteen, storage, amenities, out of hours school care (OOSH) facilities and a covered outdoor learning area. Major external construction is now complete, with the steel frame and roof installed and internal mechanical, electrical, data and hydraulic services underway. Part of the NSW Government's 9.2 billion dollar investment in new and upgraded schools. Forecast completion by Day 1 Term 1 2027.
Heathcote Road Upgrade - Infantry Parade to The Avenue
Major road upgrade duplicating a 2.2km section of Heathcote Road to a four-lane divided road to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. The project included the construction of five new bridges crossing Harris Creek, Williams Creek, and the T8 Airport railway line, alongside upgraded intersections with traffic lights at Macarthur Drive and The Avenue, and active transport shared pathways.
Adelong Sutherland
Residential development at 552-556 President Avenue featuring modern apartments with quality finishes, communal facilities and convenient access to transport and shopping
Sutherland Co-Living Development
A six-storey co-living development with 83 rooms (mix of single and double occupancy), communal areas, two basement parking levels with 18 car spaces, 18 motorcycle spaces, and 16 bicycle spaces. Each room includes a kitchenette and en-suite facilities. Approved by the Land and Environment Court in April 2025 following council deemed refusal. Designed to provide modern, affordable housing for young professionals and key workers near Sutherland train station.
Sutherland Co-Living Development
The project involves the demolition of two existing dwellings and the construction of a seven-storey co-living building with 83 rooms, communal living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, basement parking for 18 cars, 18 motorcycles, and 16 bicycles, and landscaping. It aims to provide affordable and flexible housing options.
Sutherland Shire Library Technology Hub
New technology hub within Sutherland Shire Library system providing digital learning spaces, innovation facilities and community technology access. Enhances educational and digital literacy opportunities for residents.
5,970 residents of Menai are employed, from a labour force of 6,173. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, with participation at 74.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,689, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Menai has a highly qualified labor force with prominent representation in professional roles, an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and consistent employment numbers over the preceding year, according to AreaSearch compilations of regional statistics. In March 2026, there were 5,970 employed residents, with the jobless rate tracking 0.8% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, and labor participation sitting at a normal level (74.1% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney). Census figures indicate that a substantial 44.1% of working residents operated from home, though this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The suburb of Menai displays a notable concentration in education & training, where the employment proportion is 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles are less common, making up 8.4% of local employment compared to 11.5% across the region. Local job opportunities appear limited, as shown by the variance between the number of workers in the Census area versus the resident workforce. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region indicates that over the 12-month period, the total workforce grew by 0.2% while employment numbers fell by 0.4%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded a 1.9% rise in employment, a 1.9% expansion of the labor force, and a small drop in unemployment. Broader forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in the suburb of Menai. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce distribution to project upcoming trends. Though nationwide employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these industry weightings directly to the suburb of Menai suggests local employment should expand by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Menai is $2,575 a week (about $134,000 a year), with median personal income at $994 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $61,623 a year against an average of $81,191. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Compiled postcode statistics from the ATO for the financial year 2023 show that taxpayers in the suburb of Menai recorded a median income of $61,623 and an average income of $81,191. These figures place the area among the highest-earning localities in the country, comparing to medians and averages of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would sit at roughly $67,982 for the median and $89,570 for the average as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, positioning between the 78th and 92nd percentiles nationwide.
The weekly earnings distribution is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 30.2% of residents (3,127 people), matching the broader metro trend where this bracket comprises 30.9%. A high proportion of top earners (42.4% receiving more than $3,000/week) demonstrates strong household purchasing power. Housing costs represent 14.5% of total income, with strong earnings placing local residents in the 91st percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranking the area in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Menai had 3,436 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 75% detached houses and 3% apartments. 49% are owned with a mortgage, 15% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $560 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,600 a month, a total housing cost higher than 87% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 21.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Menai consisted of 75.3% separate houses and 24.6% other properties like townhouses and apartments, compared to a split of 55.9% separate houses and 44.1% other properties across metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Menai were much higher than the metropolitan average at 36.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased via a mortgage (48.5%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Sydney metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $560, compared to Sydney metro figures of $2,427 and $470.
On a national level, mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are substantially above the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Menai counted 3,436 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 3.0 people each. 48% are couples with children, more than in 93% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 14% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 85.5%, consisting of couples with children at 48.3%, couples without children at 24.2%, and single parents at 12.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.5%, with single-person households representing 13.6% and shared group households making up 0.9% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 individuals exceeds the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
28.7% of adults in Menai hold a university qualification, including 20.2% with a bachelor degree and 6.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 76% of areas nationally. A further 23.4% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 2,099 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,064 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels in the suburb of Menai sit below metropolitan averages, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. This highlights opportunities for further educational and skill development. Among tertiary graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational and technical training is widely represented, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.4%). Enrolment rates are particularly high, with 29.9% of the population participating in formal studies.
This group includes 9.8% in primary schools, 8.5% in high schools, and 5.3% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Menai reaches 66 stops on 35 routes, timetabled for about 1,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit statistics show 66 transport stops operating in the suburb of Menai, consisting of bus services. These stops connect with 35 separate routes, delivering a combined 1,629 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 172 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential character of the suburb of Menai, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 88% and trains accounting for 7%. Households average 1.8 vehicles, which sits above the metropolitan standard.
A high proportion of residents, 44.1%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions. Service frequency averages 232 journeys per day across the network, translating to roughly 24 weekly passenger trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.3% of residents in Menai report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 77% of areas nationally. 4.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysing key health markers reveals positive outcomes in the suburb of Menai, based on AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, which show a low occurrence of common medical conditions across all age groups. Additionally, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high, accounting for approximately 59% of the population (6,107 people). The most frequent medical conditions reported locally were asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.7 and 7.3% of the population, respectively, while 72.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 74.6% throughout Greater Sydney.
The population aged under 65 shows better health outcomes than average. Seniors aged 65 and older represent 16.4% of the community (1,698 people), and health outcomes for this older cohort are strong, with national indicators generally matching the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Menai is largely Australian-born, at 80.1% of residents, with 17.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (25.6%) and English (24.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Menai shows higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 19.9% of residents born outside Australia and 17.8% using a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 70.3% of the local population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. In terms of parental heritage, the three largest groups in the suburb of Menai are Australian at 25.6% of the population (exceeding the metropolitan average of 17.8%), English at 24.0% (exceeding the metropolitan average of 19.0%), and Other at 8.8% (tracking below the regional average of 16.0%).
There are also notable differences in the representation of specific ethnic groups, with Macedonian heritage overrepresented at 2.0% of the population (compared to 0.4% regionally), Greek at 3.7% (compared to 1.9%), and Lebanese at 1.6% (compared to 2.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Menai is 39. 24.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 39 in the suburb of Menai is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to metropolitan Sydney, the 55 - 64 age group is visibly overrepresented at 12.9% of the local population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 10.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.0% to 5.9%, whereas the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 14.8% to 12.9%. Projections to 2041 suggest notable demographic shifts for the suburb of Menai, led by a 56% expansion (representing 342 people) in the 75 to 84 cohort, which is expected to rise from 610 to 953.
Demographic aging is evident, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for 72% of the projected population growth, while the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are forecast to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Menai
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (10,419 at the 2021 Census → 10,355 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL12578). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.