Paddington (NSW)

Paddington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Paddington NSW is estimated at around 13,389 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 688 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,701 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 13,377 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,214 persons per square kilometer, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Paddington's growth rate of 5.4% since the census positions it close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

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 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. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of national areas, expecting the suburb's population to expand by 1,321 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Paddington averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals annually from statistical area data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 36 homes were approved, with 3 so far in FY-26. Population decline likely kept demand balanced with supply, offering buyers good choice while developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties valued at $706,000 on average.

This financial year saw $819.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Paddington had markedly lower building activity (81.0% below regional average per person), usually reinforcing demand and pricing for existing homes. However, recent periods showed increased development activity, which was still under the national average, suggesting established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consisted of 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% townhouses or apartments, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Notably, developers constructed more detached housing than the existing pattern implied (7.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 1059 people per approval, Paddington showed a mature, established area.

By 2041, it is expected to grow by 1,293 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Hakoah White City Redevelopment, Moore Park Precinct Village, Woollahra Station Activation (Eastern Suburbs Railway), and The Cambrian Paddington. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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.

Employment performance in Paddington exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Paddington has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is particularly well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 2.5%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 9,139 residents were in work. The unemployment rate was 0.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was 81.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 67.3% of residents worked from home. However, Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. Paddington shows strong specialization in professional & technical employment, with a share 2.1 times the regional level. Construction has limited presence, with 4.0% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% and labour force increased by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Paddington. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Paddington's employment mix, local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Paddington suburb's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Paddington is $86,963 and average income stands at $183,169, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $94,668 for median income and $199,398 for average income as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Paddington, between the 97th and 99th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 41.9% of locals (5,609 people) fall into the $4000+ category, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 51.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.3% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 96th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Paddington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Paddington's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 6.6% houses and 93.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Paddington was at 27.8%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (26.2%) or rented (46.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Paddington was $4,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Paddington was $650, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Paddington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Paddington features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 54.6 percent of all households, including 20.2 percent couples with children, 27.2 percent couples without children, and 6.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.4 percent, with lone person households at 37.1 percent and group households making up 8.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Paddington shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Paddington has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 67.5% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, which could translate into strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification held by residents at 43.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Technical qualifications account for 14.8% of educational achievements in this age group, with advanced diplomas making up 8.4% and certificates 6.4%.

Educational participation is notably high among Paddington residents, with 25.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% pursuing tertiary education, 6.9% in primary education, and 5.4% engaged in secondary education.

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

Paddington has 36 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with six individual routes in total providing 6,446 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains car at 48%, followed by walking at 25% and bus at 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 67.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 920 trips per day, equating to approximately 179 weekly trips per individual stop.

Paddington's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Paddington's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 99% of Paddington's total population (13,239 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.0% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 76.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Paddington has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.3% (1,914 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Paddington was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Paddington's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 12.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Paddington, accounting for 41.2%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 2.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (18.6%), and Irish (11.7%). French (1.4%) Hungarian (0.5%), and Polish (1.2%) ethnicities were also notably overrepresented in Paddington compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.6% respectively.

Paddington's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Paddington is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Paddington has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (21.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.7% to 11.9%, while the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.7% to 12.0% and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 8.1% to 6.6%. By 2041, Paddington is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 55 to 64 age group projected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,834 people from 1,526. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.