Old Guildford

Population growth drivers in Old Guildford are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Old Guildford is estimated at approximately 2,988 as of February 2026, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation. This figure represents an increase of 131 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,857. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population figure of 2,967, derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,112 persons per square kilometer, placing Old Guildford in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth has been overseas migration, contributing approximately 95% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Old Guildford. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 974 persons to reach a total of approximately 3,962 by the year 2041. This projected figure reflects an overall increase of 31.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Old Guildford, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Old Guildford has recorded approximately 10 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 52 homes approved during this period. As of February 2026, 21 approvals have been recorded for the current financial year. The area's population has declined in recent years, suggesting that new supply may be keeping pace with demand and offering good choice to buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $302,000, aligning with regional trends. Additionally, there have been $6.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Old Guildford has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks at the 48th percentile among areas assessed for new dwelling approvals, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints.

Recent construction in Old Guildford comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 89.0% houses, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 344 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Old Guildford is forecasted to gain 953 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No factors impact an area's performance more than local infrastructure changes, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects likely affecting the area. Key projects are Villawood Town Centre Redevelopment (Kinara Place), Guildford Swim Centre Modernisation Project, Cumberland LED Street Lighting Program, and Villawood East Masterplan Precinct (Lansvale & Lansdowne). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Old Guildford faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Old Guildford has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 14.7% as of December 2025. This rate is higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Old Guildford is lower at 47.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant portion, 31.0%, of residents work from home, which may be influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. Old Guildford specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical jobs make up only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities. In the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 10.5%. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Old Guildford's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Old Guildford is lower than average nationally. The median income is $38,815 and the average is $47,067. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Old Guildford would be approximately $42,254 (median) and $51,237 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes are at the 2nd percentile ($468 weekly), while household income is at the 36th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 35.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,063 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Old Guildford, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Old Guildford was at 29.8%, similar to Sydney metro's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,058, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Old Guildford's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 83.4% of all households, including 50.8% couples with children, 15.3% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.6%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Old Guildford faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 39.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (18.6%). Educational participation is high at 37.9%, with 14.6% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.6% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Old Guildford has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 455 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 80%, and trains used by 11%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, at 31%.

Service frequency averages 65 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Old Guildford shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, nearing the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low in the area, with approximately 46% of the total population (~1,363 people) having it, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 6.1%) and asthma (4.9%), while 79.5% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments. This compares to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area has 10.3% of residents aged 65 and over (307 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Old Guildford is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Old Guildford has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.1% of its population born overseas and 71.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Islam, accounting for 55.1% of the population, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Old Guildford are Lebanese (32.8%, compared to the regional average of 2.6%), Other (29.3%, compared to 16.0%), and Australian (11.8%, notably lower than the regional average of 17.8%).

There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese at 2.4% (compared to 1.8% regionally), Samoan at 0.9% (compared to 0.5%), and Spanish at 0.7% (compared to 0.6%).

Old Guildford hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Old Guildford has a median age of 29, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Old Guildford has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (18.6%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.2%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 16.4% to 18.6%, while the percentage of those aged 85 and above has decreased from 1.0% to 0.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Old Guildford's age structure, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 180 people (37%), increasing from 484 to 665 residents.