North Rocks

Population growth drivers in North Rocks are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of North Rocks is around 9,423. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 9,136 people, marking a rise of 287 individuals (3.1%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS's June 2024 ERP data release and validation of new addresses since the Census date, stands at 9,379. This results in a population density ratio of 1,722 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 (base year: 2021) are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, North Rocks' population is expected to grow by 265 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.8% over the 17-year period.

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

North Rocks averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 96 homes were approved, with another 11 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 3 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed over these five financial years.

This robust demand supports property values, with new homes valued at an average of $744,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments and higher-end properties. In FY-26, North Rocks has registered approximately $28.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Comparatively, North Rocks has significantly less development activity than Greater Sydney, with 72.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties due to limited new supply. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints.

In terms of dwelling types, North Rocks shows a mix of medium-density options: approximately 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% townhouses or apartments. With around 648 people per approval, the area demonstrates characteristics of a mature, established community. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects North Rocks to grow by about 266 residents by 2041. If current development patterns continue, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to influence the area. Notable projects include North Rocks Estate at 19-23 North Rocks Road, development at 361-365 North Rocks Road, Stream Northmead, and North Rocks Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees North Rocks performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

North Rocks has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of September 2025, 5626 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was 75.9%, above Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Home workership was high at 52.4% based on Census responses. Leading industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training, with notable concentration in the latter (130% of regional average). Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence (3.6% vs regional 5.3%).

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force by 3.0%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to North Rocks' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that North Rocks' median income among taxpayers is $57,605 and the average is $72,670. This is above the national average. In comparison, Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Rocks would be approximately $62,709 (median) and $79,109 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in North Rocks rank highly nationally, between the 72nd and 85th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.8% of locals (2,996 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. Economic strength is evident with 38.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

North Rocks is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in North Rocks, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in North Rocks was higher than that of Sydney metro at 36.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.5%) or rented (24.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,817, above the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $505, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, North Rocks' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

North Rocks features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.3% of all households, including 46.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 14.3% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in North Rocks places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

North Rocks has a notably high level of educational attainment. As of the latest data, 44.2% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, surpassing both national (30.4%) and state (32.2%, NSW) averages. This is largely driven by bachelor degrees, with 28.3% of residents having completed one. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 13.0%, and graduate diplomas are held by 2.9%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.1% of residents aged 15 years and over holding them; advanced diplomas account for 11.8%, while certificates make up 15.3%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Rocks has 84 active public transport stops serving buses. These stops are covered by 56 routes offering a total of 8,234 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 149 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode at 87%, while buses account for 6%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, above the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 52.4% of residents work from home, which could be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,176 trips daily, equating to approximately 98 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

North Rocks' health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low, especially among younger cohorts.

Approximately 56% of North Rocks' total population (~5,243 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common conditions were arthritis (6.7%) and asthma (6.2%). 74.9% of residents reported no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. North Rocks has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,686 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors were strong but ranked lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

North Rocks has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.5% of its population born overseas and 44.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in North Rocks, making up 52.1% of the population. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 4.5% of North Rocks' population versus 5.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (17.7%), Australian (17.1%), and English (17.1%). Notably, Korean (4.4%) and Sri Lankan (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively.

North Rocks's population is slightly older than the national pattern

North Rocks has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, North Rocks has an over-representation of the 5-14 age group (14.7% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (10.2%). Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.4% to 13.6%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in North Rocks' age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 199 people (118%), from 169 to 369. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.