Pendle Hill

Population growth drivers in Pendle Hill are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Pendle Hill is around 9,584, reflecting a growth of 1,841 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 23.8% rise from the previous population count of 7,743. The latest resident population estimate of 9,508 by AreaSearch, based on examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this growth figure. This high population density translates to approximately 4,889 persons per square kilometer, placing Pendle Hill among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate exceeded both state (7.1%) and SA3 area averages since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration contributed around 88.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth trend.

AreaSearch projections for Pendle Hill are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. These projections indicate that Pendle Hill is expected to grow by approximately 967 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 9.3% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Pendle Hill averaged around 47 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), approximately 235 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.6 new residents arrived per new home over these years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties was $526,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. This financial year (FY-26), there have been $19.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Pendle Hill shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 71st percentile nationally. New development consists of 29.0% standalone homes and 71.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 183 people per dwelling approval, Pendle Hill exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Pendle Hill is expected to grow by 891 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may impact this region. Notable ones are Westmead Health Precinct Redevelopment, Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead, Northside West Clinic Extension Stage 2, and M4 Smart Motorway. 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.

The labour market in Pendle Hill shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Pendle Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of December 2025. This is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and the area experienced an estimated employment growth of 10.1% over the past year, based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 6,296 residents were in work, with workforce participation at 79.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 39.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and manufacturing. Pendle Hill has a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 5.4% of the workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.1%, while labour force grew by 10.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and the labour force grow by 2.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. 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 Pendle Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Pendle Hill is below national averages. The median income is $51,604 while the average stands at $62,460. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,930 (median) and $68,906 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Pendle Hill, between the 43rd and 54th percentiles. Distribution data reveals that the largest segment comprises 33.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,162 residents), mirroring metropolitan regions where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, leaving disposable income at the 51st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Pendle Hill, as per the latest Census, consisted of 46.2% houses and 53.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pendle Hill stood at 20.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented dwellings at 51.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,160, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Pendle Hill was $400, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Pendle Hill's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Pendle Hill features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.1% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households making up 4.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Pendle Hill's educational attainment exceeds national averages: 43.8% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 13.0%. Educational participation is high, with 34.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.2% in primary, 7.6% in tertiary, and 7.1% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 7.6% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Pendle Hill has 44 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 42 routes, collectively facilitating 5653 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commute outward. Cars remain dominant at 72%, followed by train at 18% and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.7% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 807 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 128 weekly trips per stop.

Pendle Hill'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

Health data shows Pendle Hill residents have positive health outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages. Common health conditions are less prevalent here than nationally but higher among older, at-risk groups.

Around 52% (~4,950 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common conditions are diabetes (6.7%) and arthritis (5.9%), with 76.3% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Pendle Hill has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,313 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Pendle Hill has a high level of cultural diversity, with 68.6 percent of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 61.9 percent born overseas. The predominant religion is Hinduism, accounting for 43.3 percent of the population in Pendle Hill, compared to 5.2 percent across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (31.4%), Indian (22.0%), and English (11.2%).

These percentages are substantially higher than the regional averages of 16.0%, 3.6%, and 19.0% respectively. Additionally, there are notable differences in the representation of Sri Lankan (2.5% vs 0.3%), Lebanese (2.6% vs 2.6%), and Maltese (1.9% vs 1.0%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

Pendle Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Pendle Hill has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Pendle Hill at 21.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of around 15% and the national average of 11.2%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, demographic aging has been evident with the median age increasing from 37 to 40 years. During this period, the 55-64 age group grew from 9.6% to 21.7% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort declined from 17.5% to 14.9%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.9% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for Pendle Hill in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 17% (352 people), reaching 2,432 from 2,079. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Pendle Hill's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.