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

As of Feb 2026, Penrith's population is estimated at around 21,138, reflecting an increase of 3,172 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 17,966 in Penrith. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 19,833 following examination of ABS data released Jun 2024 and an additional 748 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,714 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Penrith's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (6.5%) and state averages since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 are used, with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Penrith is expected to grow by 8,258 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 32.9% 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 has recorded approximately 228 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,144 homes were approved, with a further 362 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 3.1 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $467,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, $210.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has 107.0% more development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice and reflecting robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 36.0% houses. Penrith reflects a developing area with around 72 people per approval.

Future projections estimate Penrith adding 6,953 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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 identified 41 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, Mayfair Penrith, Penrith Stadium Redevelopment, and Jordan Springs Development. 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 assessment indicates Penrith faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Penrith has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.4%. The area's unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is lower at 66.2%.

According to Census responses, 33.2% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Public administration & safety has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9%.

There is one worker for every resident, indicating Penrith functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 4.6% and employment by 4.1%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 28 June 2023, the suburb of Penrith had a median income among taxpayers of $53,516 with the average level standing at $62,248. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,258 (median) and $67,763 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($812 weekly), while household income sits at the 28th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 33.3% of locals (7,038 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.7% of income remaining, 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 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penrith stood at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented ones at 62.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,783, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Penrith was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Penrith's mortgage repayments were below 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 46.2%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 6.5% in tertiary, and 5.9% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Penrith has 188 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 115 individual routes, offering a total of 9,426 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 138 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 77%, with trains used by 11% and walking by 6%. On average, there are 0.7 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies the data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Penrith faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Various health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% (around 10,900 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common conditions are mental health issues (12.4%) and asthma (9.3%), while 62.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. Penrith has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,952 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Penrith was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number 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 was the main religion in Penrith as of 2016, comprising 50.7% of its population. Hinduism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.5% of Penrith's population versus 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (10.2%). Notably, Maltese (1.5%) and Filipino (2.5%) populations were higher than regional averages, while Samoan (0.6%) was slightly above the regional average of 0.5%.

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. This is modestly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (19.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.1% of Penrith's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 19.8% to 19.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Penrith's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 75-84 cohort (92%), adding 1,374 residents to reach a total of 2,875.