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

By Nov 2025, Penshurst (NSW) population is estimated at around 13,253, reflecting a 661-person increase (5.2%) since the 2021 Census figure of 12,592. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population as 13,046 in Jun 2024, along with validation of 22 new addresses post-Census date. The area's population density of 5,197 persons per sq km places it in the top 10% nationally. Penshurst's growth rate since Census is within 2.3 percentage points of its SA4 region (7.5%), indicating strong fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% to recent population gains. AreaSearch projections for Penshurst (NSW) (SA2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, anticipate an increase of 741 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 5.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to expand by 741 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 5.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Penshurst has averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 125 homes were approved, with a further 13 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.3 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and facilitating population growth that may surpass current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in Penshurst is $617,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $671,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Penshurst has roughly 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 below average nationally, possibly due to the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New development consists of 56.0% detached dwellings and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, providing an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (41.0% at Census), suggesting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Penshurst has around 607 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Penshurst will add approximately 662 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Penshurst has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 33 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are the King Georges Road Upgrade, Mortdale RSL Redevelopment, Penshurst Town Centre Streetscape Public Domain Plan, and Mortdale Local Centre Development Control Plan. 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 places Penshurst well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Penshurst has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of the past year.

Employment grew by 3.8% during this period, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 8,336 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Construction has limited presence at 6.2%, compared to the regional average of 8.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 4.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment is at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Penshurst suburb had median taxpayer income of $49,248 and average income of $65,093. These figures are below national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively in Greater Sydney. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Penshurst would be approximately $53,611 (median) and $70,860 (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 largest segment is 35.1% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, comprising 4,651 residents, aligning with surrounding region's 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile. Penshurst'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, with the remaining 59.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas, which had 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penshurst stood at 31.2%, slightly lower than Sydney metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 31.3%, while rented properties made up 37.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Penshurst was $2,167, below the Sydney metro average of $2,466. The median weekly rent figure in Penshurst was $400, compared to $440 in Sydney metro. Nationally, Penshurst's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 39.4% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW 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 also prominent, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 14.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.2% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Penshurst has 55 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,626 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 138 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Service frequency averages 660 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 84 weekly trips per 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 exceptional results in Penshurst, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~6,981 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.7% and 5.1% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.3%, report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the 77.2% figure for Greater Sydney. Penshurst has an 18.1% senior population (2,398 people), with health outcomes among seniors broadly in line with those of the general population.

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 Australia, with 50.1 percent of its population born overseas and 55.0 percent speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Penshurst, accounting for 48.5 percent of people. However, Hinduism is more prevalent in Penshurst compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 10.5 percent versus 6.5 percent respectively.

The top three ancestry groups in Penshurst are Chinese (20.7%), Other (19.3%), and English (13.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.7 percent compared to the regional average of 1.2 percent, Macedonian is slightly underrepresented at 1.8 percent versus 2.3 percent, and Greek is also somewhat underrepresented at 4.5 percent compared to Greater Sydney's 5.6 percent.

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 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. 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 65% (473 people), reaching 1,202 from 728. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 69% of the population growth, indicating a clear aging population trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.