Punchbowl (Canterbury-Bankstown - NSW)

Population growth drivers in Punchbowl are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Punchbowl (Canterbury-Bankstown - NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 22,884, reflecting a 7.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 21,384 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 22,211 as of June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is 5,297 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. The Punchbowl's growth rate is comparable to its SA4 region, being within 0.5 percentage points of the latter's 7.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by the former.

Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations to all areas, the Punchbowl (Canterbury-Bankstown - NSW) (SA2) is expected to increase by 6.2% in total over the years 2032 to 2041, reaching a population of approximately 24,180 persons by 2041.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Punchbowl according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Punchbowl has seen approximately 64 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 321 homes were approved, with an additional 31 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 new residents per year have been arriving per new home over these five years, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $368,000. In the current financial year, $36.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high local commercial activity. Recent construction comprises 49% detached dwellings and 51% medium to high-density housing, promoting affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Punchbowl's population density is around 377 people per approval, indicative of a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Punchbowl is projected to add 1,418 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Thirty-one projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include: - Punchbowl Station Upgrade, part of Sydney Metro City & Southwest (scheduled for completion in 2024). - Bankstown Exchange Stage 1, under Bankstown Central Masterplan. - Club Punchbowl Redevelopment. - Wiley Park Plaza Development at 280-300 Lakemba Street.

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

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The labour market performance in Punchbowl lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Punchbowl's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 9.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of September 2025, 9,012 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lags at 42.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Punchbowl specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 4.0%, raising unemployment by 0.6 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 to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National projections forecast employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Punchbowl, based on its current employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that income in Punchbowl is below the national average. The median income is $40,874 and the average income stands at $51,922. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average income is $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025, current estimates would be approximately $44,495 (median) and $56,522 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, individual incomes are at the 4th percentile ($504 weekly), while household incomes are at the 28th percentile. The largest segment comprises 30.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (7,048 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Punchbowl displays a diverse mix of dwelling types

In Punchbowl, as recorded in the latest Census, 56.9% of dwellings were houses while 43.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 28.5%, with 31.0% of dwellings mortgaged and 40.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,050 and the median weekly rent was $380. Nationally, Punchbowl's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Punchbowl features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 3.3 people

Family households constitute 76.6% of all households, including 43.6% couples with children, 15.8% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 3.3 people.

Punchbowl shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 23.8%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (15.6%). Educational participation is high, with 36.3% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.4% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 7.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 119 active transport stops in Punchbowl, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that together facilitate 4712 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 145 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 673 daily trips across all routes, resulting in approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Punchbowl's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis shows strong health metrics in Punchbowl. Common health conditions are less prevalent among its general population compared to national averages but higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% of the total population (~10,876 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.1 and 5.6% of residents respectively. 77.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Sydney. Punchbowl has 14.4% of its population aged 65 and over (3,295 people), requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Punchbowl has a population where 51.6% were born overseas, and 75.9% speak a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Punchbowl is Islam, with 42.0%. This contrasts with the Greater Sydney area where None% of the population practices Islam.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (29.5%), Lebanese (25.1%), and Australian (11.2%). Notably, Vietnamese (6.3%) and Greek (4.0%) populations are overrepresented in Punchbowl compared to the regional averages of None%.

Punchbowl's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Punchbowl's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Punchbowl has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.9% to 16.2%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 13.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Punchbowl. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 61%, adding 642 residents to reach 1,695. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 65% of the population growth, while the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.