Richmond (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Richmond 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 Richmond's population is estimated at around 6148 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 730 people (13.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5418 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6143 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 229 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Richmond's 13.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.0%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 1681 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.3% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Richmond among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Richmond has annually recorded around 39 residential properties granted approval based on AreaSearch analysis. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 197 homes were approved, with another 31 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years.

New homes are built at an average expected construction cost value of $523,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. This year has seen $10.3 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Sydney, where Richmond records 55.0% more development activity per person. New developments consist of 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (55.0%), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

With around 154 people per dwelling approval, Richmond shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Richmond is expected to grow by 1,676 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Redbank North Richmond Master-Planned Community, Hawkesbury Oasis Aquatic and Fitness Centre Improvements, Shared Path Bridge Over Rickabys Creek, and New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements. 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.

The employment landscape in Richmond presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.7%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Richmond's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of December 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of this date, 3,046 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Richmond was at 58.6%, significantly lagging behind Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, a high 26.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety sectors. Notably, employment levels in public administration & safety were at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had limited presence with only 4.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident, as recorded during the Census, indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months leading up to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.8% and employment decreased by 3.7%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insights into potential future demand within Richmond. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Richmond's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this extrapolation is for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Richmond suburb's median taxpayer income is $50,495 and average is $62,350, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $55,706 (median) and $68,785 (average). From the Census conducted in 2021, household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Richmond, between 24th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.0% of population (1,905 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at 20th percentile.

Richmond displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Richmond, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 55.3% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richmond stood at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.3% and rented dwellings at 45.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,844, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Richmond was $375, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Richmond's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households compose 55.7% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 44.3%, with lone person households at 40.9% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than Greater Sydney's average of 2.7.

Richmond performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 23.4%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 26.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.4% in primary, 7.0% in tertiary, and 5.6% in secondary education.

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

Richmond has 49 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 56 individual routes, facilitating 3,521 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 210 meters, indicating good accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 80%, with walking and train use at 8% and 7% respectively. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 26.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 503 trips per day, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Richmond is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Richmond faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of Richmond's total population (~3,172 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, impacting 11.8% and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than the 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Richmond has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6%, with 1,635 people, compared to 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Richmond records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Richmond's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 20.6% born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Richmond, comprising 57.4% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious group makes up 2.0%, higher than Greater Sydney's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, English parents were most common (29.0%), exceeding Greater Sydney's average by 10%. Australian ancestry was also prevalent at 27.3%, above the regional average by 9.5%. Irish ancestry stood at 8.8%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Macedonian at 1.4% in Richmond vs 0.4% regionally, Maltese at 1.5% vs 1.0%, and Hungarian at 0.3% compared to the regional average of also 0.3%.

Richmond hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Richmond is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.5% of the population, while those aged 5-14 comprise only 7.2%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.5% to 11.6%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 9.4% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 10.8% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Richmond's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 479 people (116%) from 411 to 891. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. The 0 to 4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 9%, adding only 30 residents.