Merrylands West

Population growth drivers in Merrylands West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Merrylands West is around 7,580. This reflects an increase of 526 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,054. The change was inferred from the resident population of 7,575 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,356 persons per square kilometer, placing Merrylands West in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (6.5%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 62.0% 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Merrylands West, with the area expected to increase by 1,163 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Merrylands West when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Merrylands West has seen around 38 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 193 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per new home constructed over these years is approximately 2.5 people.

This suggests solid demand for housing in the area, supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $398,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $749,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. In comparison with Greater Sydney, Merrylands West has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 66th percentile of areas assessed.

The building activity shows a skew towards compact living, with 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% townhouses or apartments. This departure from existing housing patterns (currently 50.0% houses) suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Merrylands West shows characteristics of a growth area, with around 210 people per dwelling approval. Future projections show Merrylands West adding approximately 1,159 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.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 7 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Merrylands RSL Club Redevelopment Stage 2, Merrylands West Public School Upgrade, 246 Woodville Road Mixed-Use Development, and Centenary Park Sports Field Upgrade. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Merrylands West has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 11.5% as of June 2024 based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 3,139 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 7.3% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Merrylands West lags at 44.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ just 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Over the past year, Merrylands West saw its labour force increase by 3.2%, while employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.6% and unemployment increased by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrylands West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on 31st May 2022 for financial year 2021-22, Merrylands West had a median income among taxpayers of $40,906 with the average level at $51,101. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2021-22, current estimates would be approximately $46,064 (median) and $57,545 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 28th percentile ($1,394 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 29.2% of locals (2,213 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

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

In Merrylands West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 50.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 49.7% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This differs from Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure, which is 62.1% houses and 37.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrylands West was at 27.3%, similar to the Sydney metro level, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 43.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Merrylands West was $2,000, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,167. Weekly rent median was $400, equal to both Merrylands West and Sydney metro figures. Nationally, Merrylands West's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Merrylands West has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.7% of all households, including 35.4% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for 31.3%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 23.5% compared to the SA4 region average of 39.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 18.4%. Educational participation is high, with 34.0% currently enrolled in formal education: primary education (10.7%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (6.5%).

Merrylands West has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 2,049 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 988) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between 1 primary and 3 secondary institutions. The area serves as an education hub with 27.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.2, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 50 active public transport stops in Merrylands West, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 40 different routes that together facilitate 1892 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 108 meters to the nearest stop.

Bus services operate at a frequency of approximately 270 trips per day across all routes, resulting in roughly 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Merrylands West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Merrylands West residents have a relatively positive health profile, with low prevalence of common conditions compared to the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 47% (~3,578 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.3%) and mental health issues (6.3%), while 72.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Sydney. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 16.0% of the population (1,212 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 13.9%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

Merrylands West 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 West has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 47.6% of its population born overseas and 59.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Merrylands West, comprising 52.7% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 27.7% versus 29.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (31.9%), Lebanese (14.8%), and Australian (12.5%). Some ethnicities show notable differences: Croatian at 1.1% in Merrylands West compared to 0.9% regionally, Maltese at 1.3% versus 1.4%, and Samoan at 0.8% versus 0.7%.

Merrylands West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Merrylands West's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, Merrylands West has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.0%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 13.2% to 14.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has declined from 15.2% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Merrylands West's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 64%, adding 246 residents to reach 633. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.