Parramatta

Parramatta lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Parramatta's population is estimated at around 34,761 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,550 people (15.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 30,211 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 33,716 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,193 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,646 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 15.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the suburb expected to expand by 34,542 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 96.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Parramatta among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Parramatta has seen approximately 396 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,983 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years accommodates about 1.1 new residents per year.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is around $501,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have reached approximately $199.1 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum.

Of the residential developments approved, 2.0% consist of standalone homes while 98.0% are attached dwellings. This trend towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Parramatta has an approval rate of around 77 people per dwelling, indicating characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Parramatta is projected to grow by approximately 33,618 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Parramatta 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 has identified 87 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Powerhouse Parramatta, Civic Link Parramatta, Cosmopolitan by Deicorp Parramatta, and Parramatta Metro Station - Sydney Metro West. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Parramatta well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Parramatta has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%.

As of September 2025, there are 24,353 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is high at 87.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 55.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance.

Parramatta specialises in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, but has lower construction representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area hosts more jobs than residents, with 1.7 workers per resident. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parramatta's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Parramatta had a median taxpayer income of $55,844 and an average income of $67,752 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is comparable to national averages, unlike Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,792 (median) and $73,755 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. In Parramatta, household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 72nd and 80th percentiles nationally in 2021 Census figures. The predominant income cohort spanned 39.0% of locals (13,556 people) earning $1,500 - $2,999 per week, similar to broader area patterns where 30.9% fell into this range. High housing costs consumed 19.3% of income in Parramatta, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 66th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Parramatta features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Parramatta's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 7.7% houses and 92.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parramatta was at 9.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.4% and rented ones at 71.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Parramatta was $2,080, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Parramatta was $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Parramatta's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

Parramatta features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.7% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households making up 10.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Parramatta's educational attainment exceeds national averages: 62.1% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 36.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (23.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational pathways account for 16.9%, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 7.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in tertiary, 8.2% in primary, and 3.6% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Parramatta has 127 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry, train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 110 individual routes, collectively providing 28,283 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 48%, followed by train at 28% and bus at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 55.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 4,040 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 222 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Parramatta's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~18,673 people), leading the average SA2 area rate but trailing Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 4.3 and 3.8% of residents respectively. A total of 85.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Parramatta has 8.0% of its population aged 65 and over (2,780 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings similar to those of the general population.

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

Parramatta has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 73.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 73.7% born overseas. Hinduism is the predominant religion in Parramatta, comprising 36.7% of the population, significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%. The top three ancestry groups in Parramatta are Other (27.8%), Indian (25.3%), and Chinese (14.2%), all substantially higher than their respective regional averages of 16.0%, 3.6%, and 8.4%.

Notably, Lebanese (2.3%) Korean (1.4%), and Filipino (3.1%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Parramatta compared to the regional averages of 2.6%, 1.1%, and 2.0% respectively.

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

Parramatta's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and significantly lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Parramatta has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.8%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (7.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 1.9% to 2.6% of Parramatta's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 9.0% to 8.1%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Parramatta's age profile will change significantly, with the strongest growth expected in the 25 to 34 cohort, which is projected to grow by 95%, adding 10,500 residents and reaching a total of 21,554.