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 is estimated at around 21,138 as of Feb 2026, reflecting an increase of 3,172 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 17.7% increase from the previous population count of 17,966. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 19,833 as of June 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, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Penrith's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.5%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% 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 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. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase, with the suburb expected to grow by 8,262 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 32.9% over the 17 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,144 homes were approved, with a further 362 approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over these years, there are approximately 3.1 new residents.

This indicates that demand is outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $467,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals totaled $210.4 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum in the area. Comparatively, Penrith has 107.0% more development activity per person than Greater Sydney, reflecting robust developer interest and providing buyers with ample choice. Recent construction comprises approximately 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require diverse, affordable housing options. Penrith has around 72 people per approval, indicating a developing area with future projections estimating an addition of 6,957 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 41 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, Mayfair Penrith, Penrith Stadium Redevelopment, and Jordan Springs Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is lower at 67.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 33.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating that Penrith functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period, ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.7% while employment decreased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 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, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 2023, the suburb of Penrith had a median income among taxpayers of $53,516. The average income stood at $62,248. This was below the national average and compared 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 ranked at the 51st percentile ($812 weekly), while household income sat at the 28th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spanned 33.3% of locals (7,038 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were 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). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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 average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Penrith was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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, 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high at 29.3%, with 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 188 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 115 individual routes, collectively facilitating 9,426 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Penrith's predominantly residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 77%, while train accounts for 11% and walking for 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.7, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 33.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays 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. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 52% (~10,900 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical 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 face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Penrith has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,931 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 shows higher overseas birth rate at 27.1%, compared to most other local markets, with 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Penrith, accounting for 50.7%. Hinduism stands out as overrepresented, comprising 3.5% of Penrith's population, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

For ancestry, the top groups are English (24.2%, regional average: 19.0%), Australian (23.7%, regional average: 17.8%), and Other (10.2%, regional average: 16.0%). Notably, Maltese (1.5% vs regional 1.0%), Filipino (2.5% vs regional 2.0%), and Samoan (0.6% vs regional 0.5%) groups are more prevalent in Penrith than regionally.

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 (18.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 7.1% of Penrith's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 19.8% to 18.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Penrith's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 92%, adding 1,378 residents to reach a total of 2,879.