Rathmines

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses, the estimated population of the suburb of Rathmines as of February 2026 is around 2,168 people. This reflects an increase of 92 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,076 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,146 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 534 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Rathmines' growth rate of 4.4% since the census places it within 1.5 percentage points of the Rest of NSW's 5.9%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, 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, over this period the suburb's population is expected to expand by 0 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 52 people.

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

Rathmines recorded around 13 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 67 homes were approved, with another 11 so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.9 new residents arrived per new home, indicating that supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $679,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. This financial year, $7.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Rathmines shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 66th percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprised 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. With around 208 people per dwelling approval, Rathmines shows characteristics of a low density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Rathmines may experience less housing pressure in the future.

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

Three projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Wangi Shores Retirement Village Stage 3B Block K, Rathmines Park Transformation, 1 Kent Place Wangi Wangi - a three-storey apartment building with thirteen residences, and the mixed-use development at 114-120 Cary Street.

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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.

While Rathmines retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Rathmines has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. Employment stability over the past year is relative.

As of December 2025, 1,011 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 58.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 21.7% of residents work from home.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction, employing 14.3%, 10.9%, and 10.8% respectively. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force increased by 1.5% while employment declined by 0.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.7 percentage points. Regional NSW recorded a smaller employment decline of 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rathmines' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that income in Rathmines is lower than the national average. The median income is $47,028 while the average stands at $65,425. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,195 (median) and $71,222 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income ranks modestly in Rathmines, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 34th and 36th percentiles. The largest segment of residents earns $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, comprising 30.0% (650 individuals), similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains for other costs. Rathmines' SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth decile.

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

Rathmines' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 92.9% houses and 7.1% other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings, compared 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, while the median weekly rent was $400, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Rathmines' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, 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 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, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.0%), secondary (7.6%), and tertiary (3.6%) levels.

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 serving buses. These stops are covered by 32 different routes, offering a total of 223 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated highly, with residents typically living 139 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, above the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.7% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 31 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 8 weekly trips per individual 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,144 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.2 and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 58.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.7% of residents aged 65 and over (578 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, as per the census conducted on 28 June 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 88.2% of its population born in Australia. This was accompanied by a high citizenship rate of 92.8%, indicating that majority of residents were Australian citizens. Additionally, 95.5% spoke English only at home, reflecting the dominance of English as the primary language.

Christianity was the predominant religion in Rathmines, with 55.4% adherents, slightly lower than the regional NSW average of 55.9%. The ancestry breakdown showed English and Australian origins leading at 32.8% and 30.0%, respectively, followed by Scottish at 9.9%. Notably, Welsh ancestry was overrepresented in Rathmines at 1.3%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, Lebanese ancestry stood at 0.4%, higher than the regional figure of 0.2%. However, Australian Aboriginal ancestry showed a lower representation in Rathmines at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 4.6%.

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

Rathmines's median age is 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 those aged 65-74 years make up a particularly prominent group at 15.9%, while the 25-34 year-olds constitute only 9.1% of the population, both figures being higher than the Regional NSW averages but lower than the national average for the 65-74 age group (9.5%). Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of those aged 75-84 years has increased from 6.8% to 8.3%, while the 35-44 year-olds have risen from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 14.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, Rathmines's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 year-old group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 41 people and reaching a total of 239 from the current 197. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.