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 Nov 2025, is around 21,136. This reflects a growth of 3,170 people (17.6%) from the 2021 Census figure of 17,966. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 19,833 in Jun 2024 and an additional 715 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,714 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The Penrith statistical area (Lv2) showed a growth rate exceeding both its SA4 region (6.3%) and state levels since the 2021 Census. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate significant population growth is forecasted for the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, including Penrith (SA2), which is expected to grow by 8,262 persons to 2041, reflecting an 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 recorded approximately 228 residential properties granted approval annually, with 1,144 homes approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25. In FY-26, up to 362 homes have been approved so far. Each year, an average of 3.1 new residents is associated with every home built over the past five financial years.

This demand outpaces supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $467,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, Penrith has registered $210.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating 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 shift from the existing housing mix of 36.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Penrith has around 72 people per approval, reflecting a developing area.

Future projections estimate Penrith adding 6,959 residents by 2041. 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 details projects 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 reveals Penrith recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Penrith has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 10,936 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 57.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Public administration & safety has notably high concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. There is one worker for every resident in Penrith, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the year ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.7%, and employment decreased by 2.3% in Penrith, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. As of 25-Nov-2025, NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, comparing favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate 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, 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 for financial year ending June 2023, Penrith had a median income among taxpayers of $53,516 and an average income of $62,248. These figures are below the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 for Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,258 and average income would be around $67,763 as of that date. According to the 2021 Census, Penrith's personal income ranks at the 51st percentile with a weekly income of $812, while household income sits at the 28th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 33.3% of locals (7,038 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. 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 at the latest Census showed 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 Penrith was $1,783, below Sydney metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent figure for Penrith 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 account for 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, 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.

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 186 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 115 individual routes, collectively facilitating 9,426 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 138 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 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 from various sources. The area has a relatively low rate of private health cover, with approximately 52% (around 10,899 people) having such coverage, compared to 55.2% across Greater Sydney.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in Penrith, affecting 12.4% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.6% of residents report no medical ailments, which is lower than the 69.5% reported across Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 17.8% (3,762 people) compared to 14.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in Penrith are generally aligned with the broader population's health profile.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.1% of its population born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Penrith, accounting for 50.7% of its people. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented in Penrith compared to Greater Sydney, with 3.5% versus 3.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.2%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (10.2%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: 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 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penrith has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (19.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of Penrith's population aged 75-84 grew from 5.7% to 6.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Penrith's age profile. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 103%, adding 1,462 residents to reach a total of 2,879. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is projected to grow by 8%, adding 92 people.