Old Guildford

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

As of November 2025, Old Guildford's population is estimated at around 2,900 people. This reflects a growth from the 2021 Census figure of 2,857 people, an increase of 43 individuals (1.5%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 2,899 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 3,020 persons per square kilometer, placing Old Guildford in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 95% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilized 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 were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Old Guildford, with an expected increase of 965 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total increase of approximately 34.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Old Guildford is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Old Guildford has recorded approximately 10 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 52 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded as of now. The area's population has declined in recent years, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good choices for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $302,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. Commercial approvals have reached $2.1 million this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Old Guildford has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 23rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Old Guildford's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

This marks a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 89.0% houses, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 729 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Old Guildford is forecasted to gain 1,012 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 influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this area. Key projects include Villawood Town Centre Redevelopment (Kinara Place), Guildford Swim Centre Modernisation Project, Cumberland LED Street Lighting Program, and Sydney Metro West - Westmead to The Bays. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Old Guildford face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Old Guildford's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a high representation.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 15.9%. This is 7.5 percentage points higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Old Guildford lags behind Greater Sydney at 34.5% compared to 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force increased by 4.2%, while employment decreased by 0.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 4.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.6% and unemployment rose by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Old Guildford is below the national average. The median income is $38,815 and the average income stands at $47,067. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Old Guildford would be approximately $43,710 (median) and $53,002 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes lag at the 2nd percentile ($468 weekly), while household income performs better at the 36th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 35.6% of locals (1,032 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

Old Guildford's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 62.1% houses and 37.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Old Guildford stood at 29.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was $420 compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Old Guildford's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,058 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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, consisting of 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% of the total. The median household size is 3.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

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 prevalent at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are common, 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%, comprising primary education (14.6%), secondary education (10.7%), and tertiary education (5.8%).

Old Guildford Public School serves the area with an enrollment of 425 students, offering primary education only; secondary options are available nearby. The school's ICSEA score is 893.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating within Old Guildford. These are mixed-use bus stops serviced by 13 routes offering 595 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 131 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 85 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Old Guildford's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Old Guildford, with younger cohorts particularly experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,323 people), compared to 47.7% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.1% and 4.9% of residents respectively, while 79.5% report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Sydney.

Old Guildford has 9.5% of its population aged 65 and over (275 people), lower than the 13.9% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in 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 in Old Guildford is Islam, accounting for 55.1% of the population, compared to 29.1% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are Lebanese (32.8%), Other (29.3%), and Australian (11.8%).

Notably, Vietnamese (2.4%) is overrepresented in Old Guildford compared to the regional average of 4.0%, while Samoan (0.9%) and Spanish (0.7%) are also relatively more prevalent than their respective regional averages of 0.7% and 0.5%.

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 under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Old Guildford has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (18.0%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.4%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has grown from 16.4% to 18.0%, while the proportion of those aged 85 and over has declined from 1.0% to 0.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Old Guildford's age structure will shift significantly. The number of residents aged 15 to 24 is projected to increase by 184 people (35%), from 522 to 706.