Redfern

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Redfern is around 15,041. This figure represents an increase of 1,969 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,072. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses, is 15,040 residents. This results in a population density ratio of 12,855 persons per square kilometer, placing Redfern in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 15.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the state average of 7.1% and Greater Sydney's growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of Redfern's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate an above median population growth for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 3,067 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.4% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates that Redfern has annually granted approval for approximately 4 residential properties between FY-21 and FY-25. This totals to about 21 homes approved over these five financial years, with no further approvals recorded in FY-26 as of yet. On average, around 16.6 new residents were estimated to arrive per dwelling constructed annually during this period.

This supply-demand imbalance suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings developed at an average expected construction cost value of $368,000. In FY-26, $31.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Redfern's construction activity is below average, reflecting its mature status and possible planning constraints. All new constructions since FY-21 have been attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With approximately 7264 people per approval, Redfern shows signs of a mature, established area. Future projections estimate an addition of 3066 residents by 2041.

If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Redfern 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 35 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Redfern Place, Redfern Co-Living Housing, Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal, and Hudson Vine Mixed Use 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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AreaSearch assessment indicates Redfern faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Redfern's workforce is highly educated with a notable presence in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 10.6% according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of December 2025. There were 8,371 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 6.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%. Census responses showed that 61.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical services (1.8 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Construction employs only 4.4% of local workers compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents with a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0, acting as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% while employment declined by 1.4%, increasing unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points, unlike Greater Sydney's marginal rise in unemployment despite positive employment growth. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Redfern's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Redfern has one of the highest income levels nationally according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Redfern is $69,244 and the average income stands at $97,548. In comparison, Greater Sydney's figures are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on a 10.32% growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Redfern would be approximately $76,390 (median) and $107,615 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Redfern stand out at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,191 weekly). Income brackets indicate that 25.2% of locals (3,790 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 30.9% in the same category. Notably, 36.9% of Redfern residents exceed $3,000 weekly in earnings, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, however, strong earnings still place disposable income at the 66th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Redfern features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Redfern's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 1.4% houses and 98.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Redfern was at 15.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.1% and rented ones at 63.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,811, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Redfern was recorded at $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Redfern's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Redfern features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 44.8% of all households, including 11.5% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 4.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 55.2%, with lone person households at 42.4% and group households comprising 12.8%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Redfern's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 57.0% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. The area has a strong focus on tertiary education, with bachelor degrees at 37.0%, postgraduate qualifications at 16.6%, and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (10.0%).

Educational participation is high in Redfern, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (12.6%), primary education (4.4%), and secondary education (2.8%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Redfern indicates that there are 50 active transport stops currently operating. These comprise a mix of train stations and bus stops. A total of 30 individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 20,159 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 121 meters from the nearest stop. As Redfern is predominantly residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The primary mode of commuting in Redfern is by car, used by 36% of residents.

Train use follows at 24%, and walking is preferred by 18%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.3, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high percentage of residents, specifically 61.0%, work from home. This figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages approximately 2,879 trips per day, equating to around 403 weekly trips per individual stop.

Redfern's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Redfern's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence as standard for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (9,833 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues impacting 11.0% of residents and asthma affecting 7.3%. A total of 70.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,060 people), lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Redfern's cultural diversity is notable, with 29.1% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Redfern, accounting for 30.0% of the population. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 1.6% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups based on parents' country of birth are English (21.9%), Australian (15.5%), and Other (14.1%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: French at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Spanish at 1.1% versus 0.6%, and Russian at 0.9% against a regional average of 0.4%.

Redfern's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Redfern's median age in 2021 was 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 years had a strong representation at 27.5%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.6%. The 5-14 age cohort was less prevalent in Redfern, at 4.8%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 13.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.1% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for Redfern in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 3,703 people (90%), from 4,136 to 7,840. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.