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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 $1.83m, with units at $1.15m. House values have moved 5.5% 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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Sales Detail
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 AreaSearch evaluations of broader ABS demographic releases and post-Census address validations, the population of the suburb of Menai stands at roughly 10,355 as of Aug 2026. In comparison to the 2021 Census tally of 10,419 people, this represents a reduction of 64 people (0.6%). AreaSearch calculated this updated resident figure of 10,355 by reviewing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) alongside post-Census address records. This head count results in a population density of 800 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with standard benchmarks observed across AreaSearch study regions.
Inward movement from overseas underpinned recent demographic expansion, accounting for nearly 59.0% of all population additions. Projections for the suburb of Menai incorporate ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented where needed by NSW State Government SA2 forecasts released in 2022 using 2021 baseline figures. Age-specific expansion trajectories derived from these models are similarly projected across all areas between 2032 and 2041. Based on expected demographic patterns, local growth is slated to track within the lower quartile of statistical areas nationwide, with SA2 aggregations pointing to an addition of 130 persons through to 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 1.3% 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. 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
AreaSearch examination of ABS building authorization figures assigned from regional statistical levels indicates that approximately 17 residential dwellings have secured approval per year in Menai, accumulating to roughly 89 homes over the previous 5 financial years. Throughout FY-25 to date, no approvals have been recorded. With recent population contractions, incoming residential construction has generally kept pace with local demand, preserving favorable purchasing alternatives. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $8.5 million during the ongoing financial year, reflecting modest commercial construction activity. Per capita residential construction in Menai sits at roughly 59% of the Greater Sydney benchmark, ranking within the 4th percentile of regions assessed across the country, which restricts purchasing inventory and reinforces demand for established housing stock.
This performance remains below the national standard, highlighting the mature character of the suburb alongside possible planning constraints. Approved additions consist of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached housing, reinforcing the low-density environment and offering spacious family-oriented living. Demographic projections indicate an increase of 130 residents in Menai leading up to 2041, based on recent AreaSearch quarterly modeling. Sustaining current building levels should allow new housing volume to adequately accommodate incoming requirements, fostering balanced conditions for prospective purchasers and potentially facilitating expansion above current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Menai
Loading development applications…
| 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 $539 million. 3 are already under construction and 5 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 capital projects and planning updates play a critical role in shaping regional momentum. AreaSearch has registered 2 projects expected to influence the community, prominently featuring the Heathcote Road Upgrade - Infantry Parade to The Avenue, Blaxland Riverside Estate, Revesby Workers Club Redevelopment, and M6 Stage 2, alongside further relevant local works.
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.
Sutherland Co-Living Development
Demolition of two existing dwellings and construction of a seven-storey co-living residential building comprising 83 self-contained rooms, communal indoor and outdoor facilities, and basement parking. The development approved by Sutherland Shire Council under DA23/0827 aims to supply flexible and affordable rental accommodation close to Sutherland railway station.
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 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.
5,968 residents of Menai are employed, from a labour force of 6,166. Unemployment sits at 3.2%, with participation at 73.9%. 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 8,692, 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
Menai features a highly qualified labor force characterized by substantial professional service representation, an unemployment rate of merely 3.2%, and stable workforce conditions over the prior twelve months, according to AreaSearch aggregated data. As of March 2026, employed residents total 5,968, keeping the jobless rate 0.9% lower than the 4.1% recorded for Greater Sydney, alongside an active participation rate of 73.9% relative to 68.9% across Greater Sydney. Census findings indicated that 44.1% of workers carried out their duties from home, though potential pandemic restrictions should be taken into account. Local workers are predominantly active across health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
Specialization is particularly elevated in education & training, which captures a concentration 1.4 times greater than the regional benchmark. Conversely, professional & technical roles are less prevalent, engaging 8.4% of Menai workers against 11.5% throughout Greater Sydney. Comparing local resident numbers to local working counts highlights a restricted volume of internal workplace opportunities. Analysis by AreaSearch utilizing SALM and ABS statistical aggregates shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local workforce grew by 0.1% while resident employment contracted by 0.4%, lifting the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Over that period, Greater Sydney experienced employment expansion of 1.9%, labor force growth of 1.9%, and a slight decrease in joblessness. National modeling from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provides broader guidance on prospective local labor demand. Projecting these industry-wide trajectories across the suburb's workforce configuration suggests local jobs could grow by 6.7% across five years and 13.6% across ten years, compared to national forecasts of 6.6% and 13.7% over the respective five and ten-year horizons (this illustrative exercise relies on weighted extrapolations and excludes localized population modeling).
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
Aggregated ATO postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place the median taxpayer income in Menai at $61,623 and the average at $81,191, ranking high nationally and comparing with Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Applying a 10.32% Wage Price Index rise recorded since financial year 2023 produces updated estimates of roughly $67,982 (median) and $89,570 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census positions local household, family, and individual earnings between the 78th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The primary income bracket comprises 30.2% of individuals earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,127 residents), closely aligning with the regional proportion of 30.9%.
High-earning households generating over $3,000 weekly make up 42.4%, supporting strong purchasing power. Accommodation costs absorb 14.5% of income, placing local disposable earnings in the 91st percentile, while the SEIFA income measure positions 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, housing stock in Menai consisted of 75.3% separate houses and 24.6% other dwelling categories (semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and alternative structures), in contrast to the Sydney metro profile of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership reached 36.6%, surpassing the Sydney metro figure, with remaining properties being mortgaged (48.5%) or tenanted (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment stood at $2,600 compared to $2,427 for Sydney metro, while median weekly rent was $560 against $470 across Sydney metro. When evaluated nationally, local monthly mortgage obligations exceed the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents track considerably above the national rate 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 constitute the clear majority of local living arrangements at 85.5%, featuring 48.3% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent households. Non-family residences make up the remaining 14.5%, comprising single-person households at 13.6% and group households at 0.9%. The median household size of 3.0 people exceeds the Greater Sydney benchmark 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
Educational attainment in Menai tracks below regional averages, with 28.7% of individuals aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney, pointing to room for continued qualification growth. Bachelor degrees represent the primary qualification at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational training is strongly represented, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.4%). Learning engagement remains high throughout the suburb, with 29.9% of the local population actively participating in academic programs. This comprises 9.8% attending primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.3% enrolled in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Menai reaches 66 stops on 33 routes, timetabled for about 1,900 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
Network assessments indicate that 66 active bus stops operate across Menai, accommodating 33 separate routes that generate 1,912 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is favorable, with residents generally positioned 172 meters from their closest transit facility. As an established residential community, outbound travel is standard, with private vehicles serving 88% of travel needs and rail capturing 7%. Vehicle access averages 1.8 per household, outpacing regional averages, while 44.1% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census (which may reflect prevailing COVID-19 settings). Transit activity averages 273 trips daily across the broader local network, which translates to roughly 28 weekly departures at 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
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic condition metrics indicate favorable overall health across Menai, characterized by low occurrences of standard medical issues across all demographic tiers. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is extensive, encompassing roughly 59% of all residents (6,107 people). Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent health issues locally, documented among 7.7 and 7.3% of the community respectively, while 72.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 74.6% throughout Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for residents under 65 perform above average. People aged 65 and over account for 16.4% of the population (1,698 people) and demonstrate robust health indicators that align well with national benchmarks.
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
Menai displays cultural diversity that ranks above standard benchmarks, with 19.9% of the population born overseas and 17.8% utilizing a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious faith, accounting for 70.3% of local residents compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. Regarding parental country of birth, the primary ancestry groups in Menai include Australian at 25.6% (exceeding the regional share of 17.8%), English at 24.0% (surpassing the 19.0% regional rate), and Other at 8.8% (below the regional level of 16.0%). Furthermore, specific cultural backgrounds show distinct variations, with Macedonian ancestry comprising 2.0% locally (versus 0.4% regionally), Greek at 3.7% (against 1.9%), and Lebanese at 1.6% (compared to 2.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Menai is 39. 24.4% 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
Age distributions in Menai align closely with Greater Sydney benchmarks, showing a maximum divergence of 7.8 percentage points across the four main age groupings. The median age is estimated at 39 as at August 2026, remaining unchanged from the 2021 Census and sitting 2 years higher than the Greater Sydney median of 37 at that Census. Since the Census, the retiree and elderly segment (65+) has risen from 13.7% to an estimated 16.4%. By 2041, the senior population is projected to register the largest gain, expanding by 410 residents (24%) to reach 2,108, whereas cohorts of young to middle aged adults, along with children and young adults, are anticipated 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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.