Oakdale (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Oakdale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Oakdale NSW is around 2,322. This figure reflects a growth of 294 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,028. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,299 as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Oakdale's growth rate of 14.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the state average of 6.7% and the metropolitan area, indicating it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas until 2041. Future population dynamics suggest an increase just below the median national statistical area level, with Oakdale expected to gain approximately 291 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.6% 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, Oakdale averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 72 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26.

This averages out to about 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. The average construction cost value of these dwellings was around $509,000. Compared to Greater Sydney, Oakdale has significantly less development activity, at 56.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

In terms of dwelling types, 88.0% were detached dwellings, with the remaining 12.0% being medium or high-density housing, maintaining Oakdale's traditional low density character. With around 121 people per dwelling approval, Oakdale exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Oakdale to add approximately 106 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Oakdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Warragamba Dam Raising Project, Outer Sydney Metropolitan Correctional Precinct, Maldon to Dombarton Freight Rail Line, and Greater Sydney Cycling Network Improvements. The following list details those projects considered 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.

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

Oakdale has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% and employment growth of 5.1% in the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 1,292 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is 62.3%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with a share of employment 2.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakdale's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 for financial year 2022 shows 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 $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes would be approximately $65,858 (median) and $80,735 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Oakdale are at the 64th percentile nationally. Incomes cluster around the $1,500 - 2,999 range, with 35.7% of the population (828 individuals) falling within this category, similar to surrounding regions at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. Oakdale'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

Oakdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakdale was at 32.7%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 54.5%, with rented ones at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,318. Median weekly rent in Oakdale was $410, slightly higher than the national average of $375 but below Sydney metro's figure of $415. Nationally, Oakdale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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 2.9.

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 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 at 30.6%, comprising primary education (11.2%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (3.6%).

Oakdale Public School and Wooglemai Environmental Education Centre serve a total of 142 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary and one K-12 school, offering 6.1 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 11.1. Some students may attend schools in nearby areas. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis in Oakdale shows 39 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together offer 173 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to public transport is rated as limited, with an average distance of 695 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 24 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about four weekly trips per individual stop.

Oakdale's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Oakdale's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 55% of Oakdale's total population (~1,283 people) have private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the national average. The most prevalent medical conditions in Oakdale are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 70.9% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Greater Sydney. As of the latest data (2016), Oakdale has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3% (355 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 16.5%. However, health outcomes among Oakdale's senior population require more attention than those of 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 below average cultural diversity, with 90.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.0%), and speaking English only at home (94.0%). The predominant religion in Oakdale is Christianity, comprising 62.7% of the population, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 63.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (33.5%), English (27.8%), and Irish (6.4%).

Notably, Maltese residents make up 3.2% in Oakdale compared to 2.3% regionally, Hungarians comprise 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Serbians account for 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.3%.

Oakdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Oakdale's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Oakdale has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.9% to 14.6%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.4% to 12.6%. By 2041, Oakdale's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 42%, adding 51 residents and reaching a total of 172. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 68% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Conversely, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.