Peakhurst

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Peakhurst is around 12,554, reflecting an increase of 475 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.9% increase from the previous population count of 12,079 residents. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,247 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,458 persons per square kilometer, placing Peakhurst in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from Feb 2016 to Feb 2026, Peakhurst has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.0% 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. Examining future population trends, AreaSearch expects a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed, with Peakhurst expected to expand by 1,405 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 10.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Peakhurst recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Peakhurst recorded around 54 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 274 homes. So far in FY-26, 64 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years is 1.8 (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has intensified to 4.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $539,000, targeting the premium market segment.

In FY-26, $10.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Peakhurst has slightly more development activity (19.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period), offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 57.0% houses). This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 350 people per dwelling approval, Peakhurst shows a developed market with an expected population growth of 1,306 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Rail Service Improvement Program - T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line, Canterbury Road Mixed-Use Development - Roselands, 956 Canterbury Road Apartment Development - Roselands, and Henry Lawson Drive Stage 1B Upgrade. 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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Employment performance in Peakhurst exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Peakhurst has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 7,098 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses reveal that 45.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with 9.3% employment compared to the regional figure of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 3.9%, resulting in a rise of 0.5 percentage points in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Peakhurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Peakhurst had a median taxpayer income of $46,660 and an average income of $61,820 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income being $83,003. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,794 (median) and $67,297 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Peakhurst rank modestly, between the 44th and 55th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 29.5% of Peakhurst's population (3,703 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income in Peakhurst, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Peakhurst displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Peakhurst's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.9% houses and 43.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Peakhurst was 33.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.3% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure stood at $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Peakhurst's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Peakhurst has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 73.1% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

The educational profile of Peakhurst exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Peakhurst's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (20.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 100 active transport stops operating within Peakhurst, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 26 individual routes, collectively providing 2,109 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 10% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 45.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 301 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Peakhurst's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Peakhurst residents show positive health outcomes overall, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health issues is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~6,452 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Common medical conditions include arthritis (7.6%) and mental health issues (6.2%), with 71.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.4% (2,812 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes for seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Peakhurst was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Peakhurst's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 33.5% born overseas and 41.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Peakhurst, comprising 62.5%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (17.7%), English (16.3%), and Other (13.4%).

Notably, Macedonian, Greek, and Lebanese ethnicities have higher representations in Peakhurst than the regional average: Macedonian at 3.3% versus 0.4%, Greek at 6.0% versus 1.9%, and Lebanese at 4.4% versus 2.6%.

Peakhurst's median age exceeds the national pattern

Peakhurst's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Peakhurst has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (5.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.6% to 12.4%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 12.1% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Peakhurst's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 75%, adding 470 residents and reaching a total of 1,098. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 84% of the population growth, while the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to decline in population.