Old Guildford

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Old Guildford is estimated at around 2,988 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 131 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,857 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,967, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,112 persons per square kilometer, placing Old Guildford in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast for Old Guildford, with the suburb expected to increase by 958 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.0% in total over the 17 years.

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, totalling an estimated 52 homes. As of FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. The average construction value for new homes is $302,000. There have also been $6.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Old Guildford has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 48th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% medium and high-density housing. The location has approximately 343 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts estimate Old Guildford will gain 925 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth.

Population forecasts indicate Old Guildford will gain 925 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely 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 zero projects that could affect this area. Key projects include 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 likely to be 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 varied workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent, with an unemployment rate of 15.6% as of September 2025. This rate is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Old Guildford is lower at 47.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. A significant portion, 31.0% of residents, work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors include construction, healthcare & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. Old Guildford specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force grew by 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose by only 0.2 percentage points. 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 Old Guildford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Old Guildford's median income was $38,815 and average income was $47,067. This is lower than national figures of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) in Greater Sydney. By September 2025, with an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes would be approximately $42,254 (median) and $51,237 (average). Census 2021 data indicates individual incomes were at the 2nd percentile ($468 weekly), while household incomes were at the 36th percentile. Income brackets show 35.6% of individuals earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the region's 30.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Old Guildford stood at 29.8%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Old Guildford 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, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.6% in primary, 10.7% in secondary, and 5.8% in 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 serviced by 13 different routes that together provide 455 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 80%, while 11% use trains. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.0% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The 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, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but closer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, with approximately 46% (~1,363 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.1%) and asthma (4.9%), while 79.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. There are 301 residents aged 65 and over (10.1%), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Old Guildford are above average but rank lower nationally than 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 dominant religion in Old Guildford is Islam, making up 55.1% of the population, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Lebanese (32.8%), Other (29.3%), and Australian (11.8%).

These percentages are substantially higher than the regional averages for Lebanese and Other, but notably lower for Australian. Additionally, there are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups such as Vietnamese (2.4% vs 1.8%), Samoan (0.9% vs 0.5%), and Spanish (0.7% vs 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 substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Old Guildford has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (18.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.3%). This 15-24 concentration is well above the national figure of 12.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 16.4% to 18.5% of Old Guildford's population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 1.0% to 0.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Old Guildford's age structure, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to increase solidly by 171 people (36%), expanding from 481 to 653.