Prospect (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Prospect are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, the Prospect (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 5,292. This reflects an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,187. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,175 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level equates to a density ratio of 2,051 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch utilises ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. According to demographic trends, the Prospect (NSW) (SA2) is expected to increase by 613 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.1% over the 17 years.

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

Prospect has averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 67 homes. So far in FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with diverse buyer choices.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $394,000. In FY26, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Prospect has recorded significantly lower building activity, 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, development activity has increased recently. Nationally, Prospect's level of new building activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity in Prospect comprises 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% attached dwellings. This shows an increasing blend of attached housing types, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. This is a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 84.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Prospect has around 285 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Prospect is projected to add approximately 585 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region, with notable ones being Westmead Innovation Quarter, Westmead Rise Stage 2 - Aspect by Deicorp, University of Sydney Parramatta-Westmead Campus, and Central Acute Services Building (CASB), Westmead Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Prospect positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Prospect has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%. Workforce participation in Prospect is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Residents are primarily employed in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have a limited presence at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 4.6%, labour force by 4.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% with a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Prospect's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Prospect had a median taxpayer income of $55,123 and an average of $64,865 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income at $83,003. As of September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,007 (median) and $70,612 (average). The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Prospect clustered around the 64th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicated that 35.0% of Prospect's population fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions where 30.9% occupied this range. High housing costs consumed 15.3% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

Prospect's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 83.7% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metropolitan area's 76.8% houses and 23.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Prospect stood at 33.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with the Sydney metro average, while the median weekly rent figure was $435, compared to Sydney metro's $2,167 and $400 respectively. Nationally, Prospect's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Prospect features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 80.8% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Educational attainment in Prospect aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Prospect Trail regional benchmarks show that 28.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common (20.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.5% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (21.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

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

Prospect has 20 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, totalling 12 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,828 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 261 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 91 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Prospect is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Prospect demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes with a lower prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to other areas, and closer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~2,783 people) of Prospect's population has private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.5% and 6.5% of residents respectively. Around 73.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 73.6%. Prospect has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.8% (889 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Prospect require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Prospect has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.3% of its population born overseas and 47.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Prospect, making up 59.1% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Prospect compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 12.9% versus 14.7%.

The top three ancestry groups in Prospect are Other (21.5%), Australian (15.8%), and English (13.2%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maltese at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 1.9%, Filipino at 4.1% versus 6.4%, and Lebanese at 3.9% compared to 1.8%.

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

The median age in Prospect is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, Prospect has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (10.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.3%). Between the censuses of 2021 and 2026, the age group of 75 to 84 grew from 4.3% to 5.6% of Prospect's population. Conversely, the age group of 55 to 64 declined from 12.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, Prospect is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 45 to 54 age group which is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 882 from 677 people. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.