Northmead

Northmead has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Northmead statistical area's population is estimated at around 12,881 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,620 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,261 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 11,945 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,016 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Northmead's growth exceeded both state (7.6%) and metropolitan area levels since the 2021 Census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% 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. Projecting demographic trends, an above median population growth is expected for the area, with a projected expansion of 2,763 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Northmead recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Northmead has seen approximately 64 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 323 homes. As of FY26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.4 people moved to Northmead for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25.

New construction has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering buyers more options while targeting the premium market segment with properties averaging $594,000 in construction cost value. Commercial development is strong in Northmead, with $111.8 million in approvals recorded this financial year. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Northmead shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 69th percentile among assessed areas. Building activity focuses on higher-density living, with 29.0% detached houses and 71.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 49.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences.

Northmead reflects a developing area, with around 193 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Northmead will gain approximately 1,965 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 29 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Children's Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment, Westmead Health and Innovation District, Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead, and Stream Northmead. 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 Northmead rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Northmead has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year.

The area had 7,526 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.2 times the regional level), education & training, and professional & technical services (9.4% vs regional average of 11.5%). The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 at the Census, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, labour force by 3.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points in Northmead. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Northmead's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Northmead suburb had median income among taxpayers at $55,965 and average income at $68,420. These figures are comparable to national averages and contrast with Greater Sydney levels of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Projecting forward using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Northmead would be approximately $60,923 and average income $74,482. Data from the 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Northmead clustered around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.3% of locals (4,031 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring broader regional trends at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 18.0% of income in Northmead, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it within the 7th decile.

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

Northmead's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.1% houses and 50.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 36.4% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northmead stood at 27.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 34.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $420, matching the Sydney metro average. Nationally, Northmead's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 33.5% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.6.

Northmead shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 39.1%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 50.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 29.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 18.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 58 active transport stops in Northmead, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 63 individual routes, facilitating 6,037 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average located 175 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 862 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Northmead is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Northmead shows better-than-average health outcomes.

Common health conditions are less prevalent among its general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 54% of the total population (~6,954 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.6 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 72.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 79.0% in Greater Sydney. 18.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,421 people), higher than the 12.5% in Greater Sydney.

Northmead was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Northmead's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.0% born overseas and 34.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northmead, accounting for 57.7% of its population. Hinduism, however, is underrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, making up only 5.7% of Northmead's population.

The top three ancestry groups in Northmead are Australian (19.0%), English (18.5%), and Other (15.5%). These percentages are substantially higher than the regional averages for Australian (11.8%) and English (12.2%) ancestry, but notably lower for Other ancestry compared to the regional average of 23.7%. Certain ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Korean is overrepresented at 2.1% versus the regional average of 1.5%, Lebanese is slightly higher at 3.4% compared to the region's 3.5%, and Russian is also overrepresented at 0.5% against the regional average of 0.3%.

Northmead's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Northmead is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Northmead at 7.3%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 13.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 10.7% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort has declined from 16.3% to 15.2%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Northmead. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 1,476 people from 940. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 63% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.