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

By Nov 2025, Merrylands' population is estimated at around 36,005, reflecting a 10.9% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 32,472 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 34,748 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in Jun 2024 and an additional 1,553 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 5,349 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. Merrylands' growth exceeded both state (6.7%) and metropolitan averages, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch's projections for Merrylands are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, using a 2021 base year. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 11,027 persons, reflecting a total gain of 28.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 11,027 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 28.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Merrylands recorded around 422 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 2,111 homes. So far in the current financial year FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this ratio has increased to 4.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Merrylands' growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $378,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $39.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. New developments consist of 16.0% standalone homes and 84.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 49.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

Merrylands shows characteristics of a growth area with around 149 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Merrylands will add 10,092 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 94 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are The Gladstone Village - Stage 3, Central Quarter Merrylands, Evolve Housing Merrylands Social and Affordable Housing, and Cardinal Gilroy Village Redevelopment - 45 Barcom Street. The following list provides details on those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Merrylands face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Merrylands has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 10.7% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 14,950 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%, higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 45.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade showing particularly strong specialization. However, professional & technical employment is under-represented at 7.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a smaller increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest Merrylands' employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Merrylands' median income among taxpayers is $41,392, with an average of $51,374. This is below the national average. Greater Sydney's median is $56,994 and average is $80,856. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% would be approximately $46,612 (median) and $57,852 (average). Census data reveals individual incomes lag at the 12th percentile ($607 weekly), while household income performs better at the 34th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.6% of Merrylands' community (11,377 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile.

Merrylands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Merrylands' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.0% houses and 51.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Home ownership in Merrylands stood at 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 48.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, and the median weekly rent was $400. Nationally, Merrylands' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Merrylands features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 3.0 people

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 constitute the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households making up 5.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people.

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

Merrylands faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 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 at 35.3%, including primary education (10.7%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (7.0%). Merrylands has a robust network of six schools educating approximately 2,461 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 969) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary and two K-12 schools.

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

Merrylands has 161 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 72 different routes that together provide 6,193 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 137 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 884 trips per day across all routes, which is about 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Merrylands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Merrylands, with younger cohorts having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 47% (~17,037 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 5.2% and 5.2% of residents respectively. 79.3% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 0%. Merrylands has 12.5% (4,500 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but require more attention than the broader 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 levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 55.1% of its population born overseas and 70.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Merrylands, making up 43.9% of people residing there, compared to None% across Greater Sydney. Islam is notably overrepresented in Merrylands, comprising 30.8% of its population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (34.8%), Lebanese (17.3%), and Australian (10.4%). Some ethnic groups show significant divergence: 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 at 8.1%, but fewer residents aged 45-54 at 10.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 3.5% to 4.1%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 18.7% to 17.9%. By 2041, Merrylands' population is projected to see significant demographic shifts. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 48%, adding 1,848 residents to reach a total of 5,737. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is projected to grow by a modest 8%, with an increase of 221 people.