Redhead

Population growth drivers in Redhead are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Redhead is around 3,947, showing an increase of 162 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.3% rise from the previous population figure of 3,785. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,947, which was validated using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 290 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,072 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 census is higher than the SA3 area average of 3.2%, indicating Redhead as a growth leader in its region. Interstate migration contributed around 52.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2-level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to experience above median population growth nationally over the next 16 years, increasing by 582 persons to reach an estimated total of 4,529 by 2041. This reflects a 14.8% increase in population over this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Redhead averaged around 20 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 101 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per year per new home was 0.4 between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes was $734,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market.

This financial year, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly residential. Compared to Rest of NSW, Redhead shows moderately higher building activity, with 29.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density character with around 268 people per dwelling approval.

Future projections estimate Redhead adding 582 residents by 2041. Construction pace is reasonable, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely impacting the area. Major projects include Oasis Redhead, Redhead Business Park, First Creek Realignment Project, and Redhead Pump Track. Details of these projects are listed below.

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 Redhead demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Redhead has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% as of December 2025, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.0%.

As of December 2025, 1,910 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, similar to Regional NSW's workforce participation rate of 60.5%. Census data showed that 29.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 0.0% employment compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% while labour force rose by 1.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Redhead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Redhead is $55,166, with an average of $74,186. This compares to Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.32% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,859 (median) and $81,842 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Redhead rank between the 41st and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 26.2% of Redhead's population earns between $400 and $799 per week, contrasting with the surrounding region where the highest bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 29.9%. Economic diversity in Redhead is notable, with 32.8% facing financial constraints and 30.7% achieving substantial weekly earnings. Housing costs are manageable, with 86.7% of income retained, although disposable income ranks below average at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Redhead's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Redhead stood at 57.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented at 13.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Redhead was $420, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Redhead's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Redhead features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.3% of all households, including 32.2% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

Redhead shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area (23.5%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 25.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

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

Redhead has 37 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together offer 116 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 149 meters from the nearest stop. Most Redhead residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 29% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Redhead's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Redhead's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national mortality rates and health condition prevalence benchmarks. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is high at 56% (~2,219 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. The most common conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 62.0% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Redhead has 29.1% of seniors (1,148 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Redhead's population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.5% born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Redhead, accounting for 55.6%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestral groups were English (33.1%), Australian (32.3%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Macedonian (0.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Russian ancestry was also relatively higher at 0.4%.

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

Redhead's median age of 48 years is notably older than Regional NSW's 43 and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.6%, while the 25-34 group is relatively smaller at 5.6%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.0% to 13.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 13.2% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 5.9% to 3.8%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 13.6% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Redhead's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 144 people (38%) from 382 to 527. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts.