Menai

Menai has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Menai is around 10,507. This figure represents an increase of 88 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,419. The current resident population estimate of 10,483 by AreaSearch, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 812 persons per square kilometer. This growth rate positions Menai within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 59% of overall population gains. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data.

These projections anticipate lower quartile growth trends, expecting the suburb to grow by 149 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Menai averaged around 27 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 135 homes. As of May 2026, five approvals have been recorded in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $847,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In Menai's primarily residential nature, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been recorded this financial year. Compared to Greater Sydney, Menai has 19.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 10th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Menai's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1726 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Menai adding 125 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified two major projects impacting the area: Heathcote Road Upgrade from Infantry Parade to The Avenue, Blaxland Riverside Estate, Revesby Workers Club Redevelopment, and M6 Stage 2.

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

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The labour market in Menai shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Menai has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 5,998 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was 73.5%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 44.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, the area had a high concentration in education & training with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services had limited presence with 8.4% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Menai saw employment increase by 0.8% and labour force grow by 0.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced higher growth rates with employment rising by 2.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Menai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do 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's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Menai's median income among taxpayers is $61,623 and the average is $81,191. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Menai would be approximately $67,083 (median) and $88,385 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Menai between the 78th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.2% of Menai's population (3,173 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where 30.9% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 42.4% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 91st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Menai's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.3% houses and 24.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Menai stood at 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.5% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent median in Menai was $560, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Menai's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.5% of all households, including 48.3% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 13.6% and group households comprising 0.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Menai's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 28.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.4%).

Educational participation is notably high; 29.9% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Menai has 66 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,629 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 172 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Menai's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 88% of residents, while trains are used by 7%. Vehicle ownership in Menai averages 1.8 per dwelling, surpassing the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant portion - 44.1% - of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 232 trips per day, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Menai's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment of Menai's health metrics shows strong performance across various indicators.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (6,197 people). The most common medical conditions were asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.7% and 7.3% of residents respectively. A majority, 72.3%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population in Menai demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,723 people). Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Menai was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Menai's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 19.9% of its population born overseas and 17.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Menai, accounting for 70.3%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group in Menai at 25.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%.

English ancestry constituted 24.0% of Menai's population, also significantly higher than the regional average of 19.0%. However, Other ancestry made up only 8.8%, notably lower than the regional average of 16.0%. There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Macedonian was overrepresented at 2.0% compared to 0.4% regionally, Greek at 3.7% versus 1.9%, and Lebanese at 1.6% versus 2.6%.

Menai's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Menai is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group is over-represented in Menai at 14.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.0% to 5.9% of the population, the 55-64 age group has declined from 14.8% to 12.7%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Menai, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 59% (364 people), reaching 984 from 619. The population of residents aged 65 and older is anticipated to represent 74% of this growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.