Penrith

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

Penrith's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since November 2025, is around 20,362. This figure represents an increase of 2,396 people (13.3%) from the 2021 Census count of 17,966. AreaSearch's estimate of 19,882 residents in June 2024, following examination of ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date, contributed to this increase. The suburb's population density is 1,651 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Penrith's growth rate since the 2021 Census (13.3%) surpassed both its SA4 region (5.5%) and state averages. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 67.0% of recent population gains in the suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, for areas not covered by the ABS data. These projections forecast significant population growth for Penrith, with an expected increase of 8,262 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 38.0% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Penrith was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Penrith recorded approximately 228 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 1,144 homes were approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with a further 354 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, there were approximately 3.1 new residents.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings was $467,000, aligning with broader regional development. In the current financial year, Penrith has seen $210.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith records 107.0% more development activity per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice and is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises approximately 7.0% detached houses and 93.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 36.0% houses. This trend towards denser development offers accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Penrith reflects a developing area with around 72 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate Penrith will gain approximately 7,733 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although growing competition among buyers may arise as population increases.

Penrith 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 41 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, Mayfair Penrith, Penrith Stadium Redevelopment, and Jordan Springs Development. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Penrith has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Penrith has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.0%.

This rate is 0.8% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Penrith is somewhat below standard at 57.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9%, compared to the regional level of 11.5%. As per the Census, there are 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating Penrith functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3% alongside a 1.8% employment decline, resulting in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penrith's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, according to a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Penrith's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $53,516. The average income stood at $62,248 during the same period. Both figures are below the national averages of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $60,264, while the average is projected to be around $70,097. According to 2021 Census figures, Penrith's personal income ranks at the 51st percentile with a weekly income of $812, and household income sits at the 28th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Penrith spans 33.3% of locals (6,780 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting a similar pattern seen across the region where 30.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Penrith, with only 76.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

Penrith's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 36.1% houses and 63.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penrith was at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 62.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,783, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Penrith's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 53.8% of all households, including 16.8% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up 46.2%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Penrith aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.9%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, at 29.3%, comprising 8.6% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

Penrith's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,753 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1019). School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 8.6, indicating some students may attend schools in neighboring areas.

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

Penrith has 153 operational public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus stations. They accommodate 114 different routes combined offering 7,833 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility rating for these services is excellent with residents usually located 138 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 1,119 daily trips across all routes resulting in approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Penrith is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Penrith faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing varied impacts on both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Penrith's total population (~10,500 people), slightly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 53.8%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 12.4% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.6% of Penrith residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Greater Sydney. The percentage of seniors aged 65 and over is higher in Penrith at 17.8%, with 3,624 people, than in Greater Sydney at 14.1%. Health outcomes among seniors mirror the general population's health profile, presenting similar challenges.

Penrith 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

Penrith's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most other local markets, with 27.1% born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Penrith, making up 50.7% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 3.5% versus 3.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (10.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Maltese at 1.5% in Penrith compared to 2.9% regionally, Filipino at 2.5% versus 2.1%, and Samoan at 0.6%.

Penrith's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Penrith's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.6%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Penrith's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.7% to 6.7%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Penrith's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 111%, adding 1,514 residents and reaching a total of 2,879 residents.