Penshurst (NSW)

Penshurst is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The suburb of Penshurst (NSW) had an estimated population of 13,059 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure represents a 467-person increase from the 2021 Census count of 12,592 people, reflecting a growth rate of 3.7%. The estimated resident population of 13,020 was determined by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5,121 persons per square kilometer, placing Penshurst within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains for Penshurst during recent periods. AreaSearch is using 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.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Penshurst's population is projected to increase by approximately 736 persons, reflecting a total gain of 6.5% over the 17-year period, which is just below the median growth rate for statistical areas across the nation.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Penshurst, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Penshurst averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 127 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 to date. This averages out to about 0.3 new residents per year arriving for each new home over the past five financial years.

New construction has been matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average value of new dwellings developed is $612,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This year alone, there have been $1.4 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Penshurst's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penshurst has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 26th percentile nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

This is reflective of the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. With around 622 people per dwelling approval, Penshurst reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Penshurst will add approximately 851 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

Penshurst 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 33 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include King Georges Road Upgrade, Mortdale RSL Redevelopment, Penshurst Town Centre Streetscape Public Domain Plan, and Mortdale Local Centre Development Control Plan. Below is a list detailing 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 analysis places Penshurst well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Penshurst has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, with estimated employment growth of 2.3% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 8,267 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Construction employment stands at 6.2%, compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area offers limited local job opportunities, as seen in Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year ending Jun-25, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 2.6%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures: employment rose by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (Sep-22 projections). Applying these projections to Penshurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Penshurst had a median income among taxpayers of $49,279 and an average level of $65,120. These figures align with national averages. In Greater Sydney, the median was $56,994 and the average was $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Penshurst would be approximately $55,493 (median) and $73,332 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Penshurst are around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.1% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Penshurst, as per the latest Census evaluation, 41.0% of dwellings were houses while 59.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Sydney metro's dwelling structure which was 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penshurst stood at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented dwellings at 37.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Penshurst was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,466. The median weekly rent figure in Penshurst was $400 compared to Sydney metro's $440. Nationally, Penshurst's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Penshurst has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.3% of all households, including 34.5% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Penshurst shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile exceeds regional averages. University qualification rates stand at 39.4% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and NSW's rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Vocational credentials are held by 26.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas comprising 11.6% and certificates 14.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,483 students. Socio-educational conditions are above average, with an ICSEA score of 1071. Education provision is balanced, with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Penshurst's public transport system operates 48 active stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 22 distinct routes, facilitating 4,518 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents on average located 138 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 645 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

Penshurst's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows Penshurst has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover rate is approximately 53% of the total population (~6,880 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.7% and 5.1% of residents respectively. 77.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 77.2%. Penshurst has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,363 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Penshurst has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 50.1% of its population born overseas and 55.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Penshurst, making up 48.5% of the population. However, Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 10.5% of Penshurst's population versus 6.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.7%), Other (19.3%), and English (13.5%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Croatian at 1.7% (versus 1.2% regionally), Macedonian at 1.8% (versus 2.3%), and Greek at 4.5% (versus 5.6%).

Penshurst's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Penshurst is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penshurst has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.6% to 13.4%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 5.2% to 4.5%. By 2041, Penshurst's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 67% (482 people), reaching 1,201 from 718. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 66% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.