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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Merrylands as of May 2026 is around 36,323. This figure represents an increase of 3,851 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 32,472. The current resident population estimate of 36,313 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 1,551 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5,397 persons per square kilometer, placing Merrylands in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average (7.1%) and that of Greater Sydney, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Merrylands.

AreaSearch's projections for Merrylands are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Merrylands expected to increase by 10,111 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 27.8% over the 16-year period.

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

Merrylands experienced approximately 422 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 2,111 homes were approved, with an additional 103 in FY-26. The average occupancy rate per dwelling over these years was 0.9 people.

The average construction cost of new homes was $378,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $43.8 million. Detached dwellings made up 17.0% and attached dwellings 83.0% of recent constructions, a shift from the current 49.0% houses. Merrylands has around 136 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, it is projected to gain 10,101 residents. Current construction levels should meet demand, potentially enabling growth beyond forecasts.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 85 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are 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 most relevant projects.

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

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

Merrylands has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 10.0% in December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%.

As of December 2025, 15,336 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.8%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Merrylands was 58.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high 32.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade employment levels are at 1.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employ just 7.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, labour force by 4.3%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.3 percentage points). Greater Sydney recorded lower employment growth (2.2%) but similar labour force growth (2.3%). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Merrylands' employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Merrylands was $41,389 and the average was $51,377 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). By March 2026, these incomes are estimated to be approximately $45,660 (median) and $56,679 (average), accounting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. Census 2021 data shows individual incomes at the 12th percentile ($607 weekly) and household incomes at the 34th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 31.6% of Merrylands residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (11,478 individuals), mirroring regional trends where 30.9% fall within this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 77.6% of income remaining post-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

In Merrylands, as per the latest Census evaluation, 49.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 51.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Merrylands' home ownership rate was 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 48.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Merrylands was $2,100, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Merrylands was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Merrylands' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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, 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.7%).

Educational participation is 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 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,600 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 72%, while trains account for 18% and buses for 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 32.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect 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 superior 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 cohorts. Private health cover is quite low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 17,188 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 5.2% each of residents. About 79.3% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Merrylands has 12.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,649 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. 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 highest proportions of overseas-born residents in Australia, with 55.1%. A majority, 70.9%, speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 43.9% of Merrylands' population, while Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, comprising 30.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (34.8%), Lebanese (17.3%), and Australian (10.4%). Notably, Croatian (1.2%) and Samoan (0.7%) groups have higher representation in Merrylands than the regional averages.

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 25-34 at 18.3%, but fewer residents aged 45-54 at 10.7%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 3.5% to 4.4%. By 2041, Merrylands' population is projected to experience significant demographic shifts. The 45-54 age group is forecasted to grow by 47%, adding 1,816 residents to reach a total of 5,703. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow by a modest 9%, with an increase of 251 people.