Northbridge (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Northbridge reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Northbridge (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 6,401 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a decrease of 92 people from the 2021 Census total of 6,493, indicating a 1.4% drop in population since then. The resident population estimate of 6,399 by AreaSearch, which is used to infer this change, was derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validating addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,388 persons per square kilometer, placing Northbridge (NSW) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for this area.

For projections, AreaSearch is using 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with Northbridge (NSW) expected to increase by 6 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 1.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Northbridge is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Northbridge has seen around 4 residential properties approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 20 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded.

The area's population decline has not significantly impacted housing supply relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with varied buyer choices. Compared to Greater Sydney, Northbridge's construction is 90.0% below the regional average per person, typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity. Recent construction consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points. The area has approximately 646 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Population forecasts suggest Northbridge will gain 75 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Northbridge Public School Upgrade, Flo Northbridge by WINIM, Cammeray Golf Club Redevelopment, and Airena St Leonards. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Northbridge exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Northbridge has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.

Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year. As of September 2025, 3,247 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's at 60.0%. Leading industries include professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance.

Finance & insurance has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. Construction, however, has limited representation at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 0.1%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and a smaller increase in unemployment at 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though growth rates vary significantly between industries. Applying these projections to Northbridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.1% over ten years.

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

Northbridge suburb has a median taxpayer income of $77,586 and an average of $182,817 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This places it in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $84,460 (median) and $199,015 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Northbridge, between the 96th and 99th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 49.3% of residents (3,155 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, unlike trends in the region where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners (58.2% above $3,000/week) in Northbridge. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

In Northbridge, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.8% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas where only 41.1% were houses, while 58.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Northbridge stood at 49.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 31.0% and rented ones making up the rest at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Northbridge was $4,649, significantly higher than the Sydney metro average of $3,033 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Northbridge was recorded at $740, substantially higher than both the Sydney metro figure of $560 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 80.5% of all households, including 46.3% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

In Northbridge, educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 56.9% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of education positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%).

Vocational pathways account for 16.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 7.0%. Educational participation is significantly high in Northbridge, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in secondary education, 11.4% in primary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Northbridge has 46 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 36 different routes that together facilitate 1,619 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest transport stop is 136 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 231 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Northbridge, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 99% of the total population (6320 people), compared to 79.5% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.7% and 6.2% of residents respectively.

75.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.0% in Greater Sydney. Northbridge has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1433 people), higher than the 15.7% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Northbridge was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Northbridge had a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 21.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Northbridge, making up 54.7% of its population. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented, comprising 1.6% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 24.8%, Australian at 20.8%, and Irish at 9.9%. Some other ethnic groups showed notable differences: French was overrepresented at 1.0% versus 0.7% regionally, Russian at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.4%.

Northbridge hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Northbridge's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 13.3%, notably higher than Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 5.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 12.3% to 15.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.3% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group declined from 16.4% to 14.6%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Northbridge's age profile. The 85+ group is set to grow by 114% (adding 299 people), reaching 562 from 262. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 77% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.