Picnic Point

An assessment of population growth drivers in Picnic Point reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Picnic Point is around 7,022, reflecting a 9.5% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,413 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,684 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is calculated at 1,819 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Picnic Point's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (7.6%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data is not available, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Picnic Point is expected to increase by approximately 482 persons, reflecting a total increase of around 2.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Picnic Point when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Picnic Point shows around 48 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), approximately 241 homes were approved, with an additional 33 approved so far in FY-26.

The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years is 0.7. New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average expected construction cost value of $532,000. Compared to Greater Sydney, Picnic Point records elevated construction (33.0% above regional average per person over the 5-year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 76.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 152 people per dwelling approval, Picnic Point exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects the area will gain approximately 144 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of one project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Heathcote Road Upgrade from Infantry Parade to The Avenue, UMA Centre Padstow Transformation Project, Revesby Workers Club Redevelopment, and Mixed use development including affordable housing in Padstow. Below is a list detailing those likely to be 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.

Picnic Point ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Picnic Point has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%.

Residents' employment rate was 4,011 while their unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation in Picnic Point was 76.5%, higher than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant 53.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included education & training, health care & social assistance, and construction.

The area showed strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 8.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on resident population vs working population counts. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1%, labour force grew by 5.3%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and labour force grow by 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Picnic Point's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows Picnic Point's median income among taxpayers is $63,274 and the average is $78,395. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Sydney having a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,880 (median) and $85,341 (average). Census data indicates Picnic Point's incomes rank highly nationally, with the majority of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly. A significant portion, 39.8%, earns over $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 89th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Picnic Point is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Picnic Point's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.5% houses and 24.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Picnic Point stood at 40.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (15.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,817, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was recorded at $580, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Picnic Point's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Picnic Point features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.4% of all households, consisting of 47.6% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.6%, with lone person households at 15.5% and group households comprising 1.0% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Picnic Point exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Picnic Point trail has 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 22.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.6%), secondary (8.6%), and tertiary (4.5%).

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

Picnic Point has 31 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 557 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 154 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 90%. Train usage stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 53.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The average service frequency across all routes is 79 trips per day, equating to roughly 17 weekly trips per stop.

Picnic Point's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

AreaSearch's assessment shows strong health performance throughout Picnic Point. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low, particularly among younger cohorts.

Private health cover was high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,065 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (7.6%) and asthma (6.6%). 73.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,278 people), higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Picnic Point was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Picnic Point's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most nearby areas, with 23.1% born overseas and 27.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Picnic Point at 66.8%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 49.2%. For ancestry, Australian was the largest group at 20.7%, followed by English at 20.2% and Other at 10.4%.

Notably, Lebanese (5.0%), Greek (5.4%), and Macedonian (2.0%) groups were more prevalent in Picnic Point compared to regional averages of 2.6%, 1.9%, and 0.4% respectively.

Picnic Point's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Picnic Point is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Picnic Point has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.2% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (9.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows the following changes: the 15 to 24 age group grew from 11.7% to 13.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.9% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 10.8% to 9.4%, and the 5 to 14 group decreased from 15.3% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for Picnic Point by 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 38% (164 people), reaching 600 from 435. The population of residents aged 65 and older is expected to represent 70% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.