Mortlake (NSW)

Mortlake 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 of November 2025, Mortlake's population is estimated at around 2,029 people. This figure reflects an increase of 75 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,954. The recent population estimate of 2,027 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, and validation of four new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 8,454 persons per square kilometer, placing Mortlake within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 3.8% population growth since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of its SA3 area (5.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in Mortlake.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, according to this methodology, Mortlake's population is expected to decline by 99 persons. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 55 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Mortlake averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 56 homes. As of FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $740,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Sydney, Mortlake has 10.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 76th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity consists of 53.0% detached houses and 47.0% attached dwellings, including a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points from family homes to compact living.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (6.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. Mortlake reflects a low-density area with approximately 158 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 5 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Sydney Metro West, Public Transport Capacity: Parramatta Road and Victoria Road Corridors, Sydney Metro West - Trains, Systems and Depot, and Corsa Mortlake. The following list outlines those projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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

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Mortlake ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Mortlake has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of June 2025, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. As of June 2025, 1,390 residents were employed with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than Greater Sydney's. Workforce participation in Mortlake was 74.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in rental, hiring & real estate services with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. Meanwhile, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 5.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, labour force by 3.5%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mortlake's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Mortlake is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $77,836 while the average income stands at $115,178. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $87,651 (median) and $129,702 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Mortlake, between the 85th and 95th percentiles nationally. The predominant cohort spans 35.9% of locals (728 people) with weekly earnings in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 37.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 21.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 77th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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). In comparison, Sydney metro had 37.8% houses and 62.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mortlake was at 16.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.9%) or rented (58.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mortlake was $3,033, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent figure for Mortlake was $560, the same as Sydney metro's figure. Nationally, Mortlake's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 66.9 percent of all households, including 22.9 percent couples with children, 35.4 percent couples without children, and 7.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.1 percent, with lone person households at 28.7 percent and group households comprising 3.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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 broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 46.8% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.1% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (14.7%) and certificates (15.4%).

A significant 24.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.2% in primary, 6.1% in tertiary, and 3.7% in secondary education. St Patrick's Catholic Primary School serves Mortlake with an enrollment of 367 students as of a recent report. The area has notable socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1113). There is one school focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Mortlake functions as an education hub with 18.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 10.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Mortlake has three active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 1,132 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 135 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 161 trips per day, which amounts to approximately 377 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 excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 72% of Mortlake's total population (1,466 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.9 and 5.3% of residents respectively. Notably, 79.1% of Mortlake residents report no medical ailments, compared to 76.3% in Greater Sydney. Mortlake has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.3% (249 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 18.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, closely mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 dominant religion in Mortlake, accounting for 54.1% of the population. However, Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 3.8% versus 3.2%.

The top three ancestry groups in Mortlake are English (16.2%), Other (14.6%), and Australian (13.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Korean is slightly overrepresented at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 2.7%, Spanish is similarly overrepresented at 0.9% versus 0.8%, while Italian is underrepresented at 10.2% compared to the region's 12.3%.

Mortlake's population is younger than the national pattern

Mortlake's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 27.3% of Mortlake's population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 5-14 cohort comprises 7.3%. This is higher than the national average for the 25-34 age group, which stands at 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 2.6% to 4.6%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 7.8% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort decreased from 8.4% to 7.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Mortlake. The 75-84 age group is projected to rise by 47 people (51%) from 93 to 141. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 98% of total population growth, reflecting Mortlake's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.