Northmead

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

The suburb of Northmead had an estimated population of around 12,884 as of February 2026, reflecting a 14.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 11,261 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,945 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 3,017 persons per square kilometer, placing Northmead in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Northmead's growth exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney averages during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains since the Census date. AreaSearch projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, were adopted for Northmead.

For areas not covered by ABS data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 were used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas until 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 2,826 persons to reach a total population of 15,710 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Northmead shows approximately 64 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 323 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 is around 0.3 people per year. New construction costs average $594,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties.

Commercial approvals this financial year total $111.8 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Northmead exhibits approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 69th percentile nationally among assessed areas. Building activity is composed of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 49.0% houses). This trend reflects diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Northmead's population is projected to increase by 1,887 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

Current 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 can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 29 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are 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 an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% in December 2025, with estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 2.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and its workforce participation is 77.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%.

According to Census responses, 51.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance has a high representation at 1.2 times the regional level, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 9.4%. The worker-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating above-average local employment opportunities.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 4.6%, with unemployment remaining stable. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 ended June 2023, Northmead suburb had median income among taxpayers at $55,965 with average level standing at $68,420. These figures align with national averages and compare to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,923 (median) and $74,482 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes in Northmead cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows predominant cohort spans 31.3% of locals (4,032 people) in $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across region showing 30.9% in same category. High housing costs consume 18.0% of income, placing disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Northmead displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Northmead's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.1% houses and 50.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northmead was at 27.7%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (37.9%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Northmead was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Northmead's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,300 versus 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households at 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 prevalent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (18.3%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents 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

Northmead has 60 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 63 different routes that together facilitate 6,037 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 175 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 79% of residents, while buses and trains account for 8% each. On average, there is 1.1 vehicle per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 862 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~6,956 people) have private health cover, compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most prevalent 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 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. As of June 2021, 20.3% (2,615 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney but lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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 comprises 36.0% born overseas, with 34.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northmead, accounting for 57.7% of its population. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 5.7% versus 5.2%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are Australian (19.0%), English (18.5%), and Other (15.5%). Korean (2.1%) and Lebanese (3.4%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Russian ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented at 0.5%.

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

Northmead has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Comparing it with the Greater Sydney average, Northmead has an over-representation of the 75-84 age group (8.0% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 year-olds (12.7%). From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.7% to 8.0% of the population. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has decreased from 16.3% to 15.1%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Northmead's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 470 people (46%), from 1,030 to 1,501. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.