Raby

Raby has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Raby is around 5,970. This figure reflects a growth of 27 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,943. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,872 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data, and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,244 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for all areas from 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, AreaSearch anticipates lower quartile growth in statistical areas, projecting the suburb of Raby's population to expand by 217 persons to reach approximately 6,187 by 2041. This would represent a total gain of 4.8% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Raby is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Raby has seen around 4 new homes approved each year over the past 5 financial years to June 2021, totalling an estimated 23 homes. As of July 2026, 5 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting new supply is keeping up with demand and offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $449,000, consistent with regional patterns. Compared to Greater Sydney, Raby has significantly less development activity (88.0% below the regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, it is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining Raby's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 1336 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, Raby is expected to grow by 285 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Two notable projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Emerald Hills Estate, Kirkham Lane Improvements, Claymore Urban Renewal Project (Hillcroft at Claymore), and South West Rail Link Extension Study. The following details those considered most relevant.

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The employment landscape in Raby shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Raby has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2%.

As of June 2025, 3,288 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Raby is broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, professional & technical services have limited presence with 5.5% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, while labour force increased by 5.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Raby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended 30 June 2022 indicates that income in Raby is below the national average. The median assessed income was $54,652 while the average income stood at $60,604. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ended 30 June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $61,544 (median) and $68,246 (average). Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Raby cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 38.8% of the community (2,316 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, leaving disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Raby, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Sydney metro's 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Raby was at 31.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (48.1%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Raby was $2,000, below Sydney metro's average of $2,100. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Raby was recorded at $410, compared to Sydney metro's $380. Nationally, Raby's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 82.7% of all households, including 41.7% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 17.3%, with lone person households at 15.5% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

Educational outcomes in Raby fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 27.8%. Current educational participation stands at 29.6%, including 11.1% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

The area is served by Robert Townson Public School and Robert Townson High School, with a total of 1,227 students. These schools operate under typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 971) and offer balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision consists of one primary and one secondary institution.

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

Public transport analysis shows 31 active transport stops operating within Raby. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 34 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 860 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Raby's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Raby's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its population somewhat typical but higher than average among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of Raby's total population (~3,040 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.5% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A total of 69.2% of Raby residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Greater Sydney. As of a recent report (date unspecified), 15.3% of Raby's population are aged 65 and over (913 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area present some challenges that require more attention than those of the broader population.

Raby was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Raby's population, born overseas, stood at 28.4%. Speaking a language other than English at home was reported by 28.0%. Christianity dominated Raby's religious landscape with 59.3%.

Islam's representation in Raby was 9.2%, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 12.5%. Ancestry wise, Australian (23.7%), English (21.3%), and Other (16.6%) were the top groups. Notably, Samoan (1.3% vs regional 2.4%), Lebanese (2.6% vs 1.9%), and Serbian (0.8% vs 0.5%) groups had higher representations in Raby compared to regional averages.

Raby's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Raby's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Raby has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.7% to 3.7% of Raby's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Raby's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 104%, adding 229 residents to reach 450. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 64% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.