Menai

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Menai is around 10,506, reflecting an increase of 87 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Menai by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 10,493. This equates to a density ratio of 811 persons per square kilometer, comparable with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Menai's growth rate since the census is 0.8%, positioning it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate that Menai is expected to increase by 168 persons to reach a population of approximately 10,674 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of 0.1% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Menai averaged around 22 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 111 homes were approved, with 4 more approved so far in FY-26. This suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand despite population decline, offering good choice to buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $847,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $121,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating Menai's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Menai has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 17th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Menai shows 70.0% standalone homes and 30.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 942 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Menai adding 5 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Heathcote Road Upgrade from Infantry Parade to The Avenue, Blaxland Riverside Estate, Revesby Workers Club Redevelopment, and M6 Stage 2. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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 highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. As of June 2025, 6,016 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 68.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited representation at 8.4% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities within Menai may be limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, while unemployment remained broadly flat at 1.4% below Greater Sydney's rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 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 approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Menai has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median income is $61,623 and the average income stands at $81,191. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures, where the median income is $56,994 and the average income is $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Menai would be approximately $69,394 (median) and $91,429 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Menai rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 92nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.2% of residents (3,172 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 42.4% earning over $3,000 per week. This supports premium retail and service offerings in the area. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income while 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Menai, as per the latest Census evaluation, 75.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 24.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Menai stood at 36.6%, similar to Sydney metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.5% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Menai was $2,600, aligning with the Sydney metro average, while the median weekly rent was $560, compared to Sydney metro's $2,600 and $483 respectively. Nationally, Menai's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 percent of all households, including 48.3 percent couples with children, 24.2 percent couples without children, and 12.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.5 percent, with lone person households at 13.6 percent and group households comprising 0.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

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

Menai's educational qualifications trail Greater Sydney's benchmarks, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 38.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (20.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 23.4%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education. Menai's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,099 students as of the latest data point (20XX). The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1064. Educational provision is split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions.

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 33 different routes that together facilitate 2,072 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 171 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 296 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Menai's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Menai.

Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which is 6,196 people. The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.7 and 7.3% of residents respectively. 72.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.6% across Greater Sydney. As of 15th June 2021, Menai has 15.6% of its residents aged 65 and over, which is a total of 1,638 people. This figure is lower than the 18.8% recorded in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Menai has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 19.9% of its population born overseas and 17.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Menai, making up 70.3% of people, compared to 61.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three represented ancestry groups are Australian (25.6%), English (24.0%), and Other (8.8%).

Notably, Macedonian (2.0%) is overrepresented in Menai compared to the regional average of 0.8%, as are Greek (3.7% vs 2.2%) and Lebanese (1.6% vs 1.1%).

Menai's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Menai is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and very close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the percentage of people aged 55-64 in Menai is notably higher at 13.1%, while the percentage of those aged 25-34 is lower at 10.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of people aged 75-84 has increased from 4.0% to 5.4%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 14.8% to 13.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Menai, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 70% (from 567 to 962 people). This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 77% of the population growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to experience population declines.