Richmond (NSW)

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

Richmond's population is estimated at 6,049 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 5,418 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a rise of 631 people (11.6%). AreaSearch validated this estimate using ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and additional new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 225 persons per square kilometer. Richmond's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.7%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed about 69% to this growth.

AreaSearch uses 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 ABS data. Population projections forecast significant growth, with the suburb expected to gain 1,554 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 21.4% over those 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Richmond among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Richmond, allocated from statistical area data, there has been an average of around 38 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 193 homes were approved, with a further 23 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, for every dwelling built over the past five financial years, an average of three new residents have been gained.

This robust demand supports property values, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties, evidenced by an average construction cost value of $523,000 per dwelling. In FY-26, $10.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in Richmond compared to Greater Sydney. When measured against Greater Sydney's building activity per person, Richmond records 56.0% more activity. Recent construction comprises 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (55.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 159 people per dwelling approval, Richmond shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Richmond adding 1,296 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population 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 identified 14 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are 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 likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Richmond has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Richmond has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,953 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Richmond lags at 58.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 26.3% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Richmond shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 4.7% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.1%, alongside a 3.4% decline in employment, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Richmond's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Richmond had a median income among taxpayers of $50,495. The average income stood at $62,350. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $54,969 (median) and $67,874 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank at the 24th percentile, family incomes at the 37th percentile, and personal incomes at the 27th percentile in Richmond. Distribution data shows that 31.0% of locals (1,875 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

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

Richmond's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 55.3% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richmond was higher at 31.7%, with the remainder being mortgaged (22.3%) or rented (45.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Richmond 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 constitute 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 account for 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, smaller than the Greater Sydney 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.4% in primary education, 7.0% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 56 routes, providing a total of 3,521 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 80%, while walking and train usage stand at 8% and 7% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 503 trips per day, translating 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 assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions impacts both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of Richmond's total population (~3,121 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (11.8%) and arthritis (10.3%), while 58.9% report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Richmond has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.3% (1,651 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are generally in line with national rankings.

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 cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 20.6% of its population born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Richmond, comprising 57.4% of people. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which comprised 2.0% of Richmond's population compared to Greater Sydney's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (29.0%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.8%). These percentages were higher than their respective regional averages: English at 19.0%, Australian at 17.8%, and Irish at an unspecified figure. Additionally, certain ethnic groups showed notable divergences in representation: Macedonian was overrepresented at 1.4% in Richmond compared to the region's 0.4%, Maltese at 1.5% versus 1.0%, and Hungarian at 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. Among Richmond's age groups, those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, comprising 10.9% of the population, while those aged 5-14 make up only 7.0%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75-84 has increased from 9.4% to 10.9%, while the share of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.8% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Richmond's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 435 individuals (106%), from 411 to 847. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting Richmond's aging demographic trend. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 1%, adding only 2 residents.