Redfern

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Redfern's population is estimated at around 14,891 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,819 people (13.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,072 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,687, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12,727 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 13.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%), along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 2,963 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Redfern has experienced approximately four dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 21 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates about 14.5 new residents per year. This indicates that demand is outstripping supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new dwellings in Redfern is around $368,000, lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In this financial year, commercial development approvals totalling $31.9 million have been recorded, signifying robust commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Redfern's building activity is notably lower, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. All new construction in Redfern since 2016 has consisted of townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. With around 7255 people per dwelling approval, Redfern exhibits a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Redfern's population is projected to grow by 2,752 residents by 2041.

If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects 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.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Redfern faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Redfern's workforce is highly educated with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 9.8% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 0.9%. As of June 2025, 8,735 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.6%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Redfern was 65.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Construction had a limited presence with 4.4% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. There was one worker for every resident as at the Census, indicating that Redfern functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while labour force increased by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising 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 14.7% 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Redfern's median income among taxpayers was $69,244. The average income in Redfern during this period was $97,548. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income in Redfern would be approximately $77,976 as of September 2025, with an average of around $109,849 during this period. According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings in Redfern stand out at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,191 weekly). The predominant income cohort spans 25.2% of locals (3,752 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen across the region where 30.9% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength in Redfern is evident through 36.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 66th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Redfern features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Redfern's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 1.4% houses and 98.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Redfern stood at 15.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.1% and rented ones at 63.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,811, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,705. Median weekly rent in Redfern was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, Redfern's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,811 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $500 compared to the national figure of $375.

Redfern features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

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

Redfern's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 57% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 37%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for nearly 20% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 10%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.6% in tertiary, 4.4% in primary, and 2.8% pursuing secondary education.

Redfern's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 95 students, serving varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 806). Educational provision includes 1 primary and 1 secondary institution, with a specialist school addressing specific learning needs. Local school capacity is limited at 0.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 7.7, leading many families to travel nearby for schooling.

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

Redfern has 36 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 27 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 18,125 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Redfern is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 122 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 2,589 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 503 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Redfern residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 65% of the total population (9,735 people), compared to 69.7% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 11.0% of residents, while asthma affects 7.3%, with 70.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 77.4% in Greater Sydney.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 13.7% (2,040 people), higher than the 9.7% in Greater Sydney. This is broadly inline with general population health profiles.

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 residents speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Redfern, making up 30.0% of its population. While Judaism comprises only 1.6%, this is higher than the regional average of 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.9%), Australian (15.5%), and Other (14.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French at 1.4% compared to 1.1% regionally, Spanish at 1.1% versus 1.0%, and Russian at 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Redfern's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Redfern's median age is nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Redfern has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (26.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.2% to 13.0%, while the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 has declined from 17.5% to 16.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Redfern's age profile will evolve significantly. The number of residents aged 25 to 34 is projected to grow by 85%, adding 3,394 residents to reach a total of 7,370. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.