Oakdale (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Oakdale (NSW) is around 2,394 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 366 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,028 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,321 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Oakdale's growth rate of 18.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 7.8%, as well as that of Greater Sydney, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected in Oakdale. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 286 persons to reach a total population of approximately 2,680 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Oakdale, around 16 new homes have been approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 83 homes. By FY26, 7 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY21 and FY25.

Commercial approvals in Oakdale this financial year amount to $333,000. Compared to Greater Sydney, Oakdale has approximately half the construction activity per person but ranks among the 77th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a focus on low-density family homes.

With around 152 people per dwelling approval, Oakdale exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Oakdale is projected to add 33 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Oakdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in the area. No significant projects have been identified by AreaSearch.

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The exceptional employment performance in Oakdale places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Oakdale has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% and estimated employment growth of 5.5% in the past year. As of September 2025, 1,304 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is 72.5%, similar to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Home workership stands at 22.5%. Leading industries include construction, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a strong presence with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.5%, while labour force grew by 5.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.1%, labour force expanded by 2.4%, but unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakdale's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.1% in five years and 12.6% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Oakdale's median income among taxpayers is $58,483, with an average of $71,694. This is higher than the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Oakdale would be approximately $63,665 (median) and $78,046 (average) as of September 2025. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census conducted on August 10, 2021, incomes in Oakdale cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.7% of Oakdale's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Oakdale, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Oakdale, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakdale stood at 32.7%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 54.5% and rented ones at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Oakdale was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Oakdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $410 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.1% of all households, including 41.3% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.9%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Oakdale fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Oakdale has 46 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 178 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 671 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Oakdale's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 97%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.2, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 25 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Oakdale are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Oakdale based on AreaSearch's assessment as of October 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, which is around 1,323 people, compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. As of October 2021, the most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.8 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 371 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Oakdale is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Oakdale was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 90.3% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion was Christianity, accounting for 62.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.5%), English (27.8%), and Irish (6.4%), all higher than their respective regional averages of 17.8%, 19.0%, and not specified.

Notably, Maltese (3.2%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.0%, as were Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) and Serbian (0.6% vs 0.5%).

Oakdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Oakdale's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37. This is slightly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Oakdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.9% to 14.8%, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 4.2% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, Oakdale's demographic model projects significant changes in its age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 33%, adding 42 residents to reach a total of 172. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.