Mortlake (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Mortlake 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 for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Mortlake's population is estimated at around 2,038. This reflects an increase of 84 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,954. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,035 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,491 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mortlake's 4.3% growth since census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Mortlake's population expected to reduce by 95 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 61 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mortlake according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Mortlake shows an average of around 10 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 50 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded.

The area has experienced population decline, yet housing supply remains adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $740,000, indicating focus on the premium market and high-end developments. Compared to Greater Sydney, Mortlake has 19.0% less new development per person, yet it ranks among the 87th percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas.

Recent construction comprises 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (6.0% at Census), demonstrating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Mortlake has around 101 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low-density area. With stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Sydney Metro West, Public Transport Capacity improvements along Parramatta Road and Victoria Road corridors, Sydney Metro West's Trains, Systems, Maintenance and Operations project, and Corsa Mortlake. The following list details those considered 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 conditions in Mortlake demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mortlake has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.8%. It is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is high at 75.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%.

In September 2025, 1,361 residents are employed. A significant portion, 48.8%, work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction. Rental, hiring & real estate has notably high employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food employs only 3.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 5.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Mortlake's labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 0.9%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mortlake's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mortlake's median taxpayer income was $77,836 and the average was $115,178. Nationally, these figures are in the top percentile. In Greater Sydney, they were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $84,732 (median) and $125,383 (average). Census 2021 data shows Mortlake's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly, between the 85th and 95th percentiles nationally. In Mortlake, 35.9% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with metropolitan trends at 30.9%. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.0%) indicates strong economic capacity. High housing costs consume 21.4% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 77th percentile and SEIFA income ranking places Mortlake in the 10th decile.

Mortlake features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mortlake's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 5.6% houses and 94.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mortlake stood at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 58.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, above Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Mortlake was $560, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Mortlake's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, broken down into 22.9% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Mortlake demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Mortlake is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.1% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 14.7% and certificates at 15.4%.

A significant 24.1% of Mortlake's population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.2% in primary education, 6.1% in tertiary education, and 3.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Mortlake has three operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1,209 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically situated 135 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Mortlake residents commute outward, predominantly using cars (86%), while 6% use trains. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 48.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 172 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 403 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mortlake's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Mortlake's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 72% of Mortlake's total population (1,473 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in Mortlake, affecting 6.9 and 5.3% of residents respectively. A total of 79.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents in Mortlake have notably low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (275 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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

Mortlake's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.2% of its population born overseas and 39.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mortlake, accounting for 54.1% of the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Mortlake compared to Greater Sydney, with 3.8% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.2%), Other (14.6%), and Australian (13.6%). Some ethnic groups are overrepresented: Korean at 2.5% (regional average is 1.1%), Spanish at 0.9% (versus regional 0.6%), and Italian at 10.2% (compared to regional 3.4%).

Mortlake's population is younger than the national pattern

Mortlake's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 27.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. However, the 5-14 age group is less prevalent in Mortlake at 7.1%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. From 2021 to present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.6% to 5.2% of Mortlake's population. During this period, the 15 to 24 age cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.8%, while the 5 to 14 age group declined from 8.4% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Mortlake. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 45 people, from 105 to 151, which represents a 42% growth. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 99% of total population growth, reflecting Mortlake's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.