Rathmines

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

The estimated population of Rathmines as of May 2026 is around 2,133 people. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,076 people. The growth of 57 people (2.7%) since the census was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,131 based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 525 persons per square kilometer. Rathmines' growth rate of 2.7% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the Rest of NSW's growth rate of 4.9%. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive contributors. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to forecast Rathmines' population. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections 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 these projections, Rathmines' population is expected to decline by 2 persons by the year 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, notably the 25 to 34 age group which is projected to increase by 40 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Rathmines recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Rathmines shows an average of approximately 13 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 67 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. In the current financial year, FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded so far. Each dwelling built has attracted an average of two new residents annually over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $679,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. Commercial development focus is limited, with $7.7 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to Rest of NSW, Rathmines has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 66th percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 213 people per dwelling approval. Stable or declining population forecasts may reduce housing pressure in Rathmines, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Rathmines has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of three projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Wangi Shores Retirement Village - Stage 3B Block K, Rathmines Park Transformation, 1 Kent Place, Wangi Wangi - a 3-storey apartment building with 13 residences, and 114-120 Cary Street Mixed Use Development. 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.

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.

Employment conditions in Rathmines remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Rathmines has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. Employment stability over the past year is relative.

As of December 2025, 1,035 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Rathmines is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. According to Census responses, 21.7% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, labour force by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rathmines's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, considering industry-specific growth rates.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Rathmines' median income is $47,028 and average income is $65,425. Regional NSW's figures are $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,881 (median) and $72,177 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. The 2021 Census ranks Rathmines' household, family, and personal incomes between the 34th and 36th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.0% earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (639 residents). After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. Rathmines' SEIFA income ranking is in the 4th decile.

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

Rathmines' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rathmines stood at 45.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.0% and rented ones at 13.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Rathmines' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 79.0% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.0%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (33.8%). Educational participation is high at 27.6%, with 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rathmines has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 32 different routes that together provide 222 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 139 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Rathmines being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, there are an average of 31 trips per day, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Rathmines is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rathmines faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch, with mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence high across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is prevalent at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,126 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (595 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Rathmines is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Rathmines' population showed lower cultural diversity, with 88.2% born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.4%, slightly below Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (9.9%).

Notably, Welsh (1.3% vs regional 0.5%) and Lebanese (0.4% vs regional 0.2%) were overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 2.9% compared to Regional NSW's 4.6%.

Rathmines hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Rathmines has a median age of 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-olds make up 16.2% of the population, while the 25-34 year-olds comprise only 8.8%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.8% to 8.8%, while the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 14.9% to 13.2%. By 2041, Rathmines is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 25-34 year-old group is expected to grow by 18%, reaching a population of 221 from the current 187. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are anticipated to see population declines.