Merrylands

Merrylands lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Merrylands is estimated at around 37,046 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,574 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 32,472 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 34,761 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,551 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,504 persons per square kilometer, placing Merrylands in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney figures, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Merrylands is forecasted to increase by 10,860 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Merrylands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Merrylands had approximately 422 dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 2,111 homes were approved, with an additional 86 approved in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, about 1.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of new properties was $378,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $43.8 million, indicating strong local business investment. Recent construction comprised 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 49.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Merrylands had approximately 137 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate Merrylands will gain 8,575 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 94 projects likely influencing the area. Notable ones include The Gladstone Village - Stage 3, Central Quarter Merrylands, Evolve Housing Merrylands Social and Affordable Housing, and Cardinal Gilroy Village Redevelopment - 45 Barcom Street. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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.

Employment drivers in Merrylands are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Merrylands has a well-educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 10.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%. As of December 2025, 15,348 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 5.8%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation lags at 61.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A high proportion of residents, 32.8%, work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade notably higher than the regional average. However, professional & technical employment is lower at 7.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrylands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Merrylands had a median taxpayer income of $41,389 and an average income of $51,377 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,056 (median) and $55,929 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data from 2021 shows individual incomes at the 12th percentile ($607 weekly), while household incomes are at the 34th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 31.6% of Merrylands residents (11,706 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the regional average of 30.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 77.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile.

Merrylands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Merrylands, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 49.0% houses and 51.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Merrylands was at 23.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (48.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Merrylands's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Merrylands features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.7% of all households, including 39.3% couples with children, 16.9% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 5.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Merrylands shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 28.4%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 39.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.7%). Educational participation is high at 35.3%, comprising primary education (10.7%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (7.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Merrylands has 171 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 71 routes, collectively facilitating 6,600 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 138 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 72% of residents, followed by trains at 18% and buses at 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1.

According to the 2021 Census, 32.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 942 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

The level of general health in Merrylands is notably higher than the national average with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Merrylands shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is found to be low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~17,530 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 5.2% and 5.2% of residents respectively. 79.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Merrylands has 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,815 people), lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Merrylands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Merrylands has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 55.1% of its residents born overseas and 70.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Merrylands, accounting for 43.9% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 30.8%, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%.

The top three ancestry groups in Merrylands are Other at 34.8%, Lebanese at 17.3%, and Australian at 10.4%. These figures are substantially higher or notably lower compared to regional averages: Other (34.8% vs 16.0%), Lebanese (17.3% vs 2.6%), and Australian (10.4% vs 17.8%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups such as Croatian at 1.2%, Samoan at 0.7%, and Serbian at 0.5%.

Merrylands's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Merrylands has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Merrylands has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (8.0%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the population of those aged 75-84 has grown from 3.5% to 4.4%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 18.7% to 17.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Merrylands' population. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 41%, adding 1,642 residents to reach a total of 5,681. Meanwhile, the 35-44 age group is projected to grow by a modest 2% (an increase of 133 people).