Richmond (NSW)

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

The population of the Richmond (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 6,045 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 627 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,418 people in the area. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,962 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 225 persons per square kilometer. The Richmond (NSW) (SA2) experienced an 11.6% growth since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's 4.6% growth and the SA4 region's growth rate. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Richmond (NSW) (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Considering these projections, the Richmond (NSW) (SA2) is forecast to increase its population by 1,571 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 22.0% over the 17 years.

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

Richmond recorded approximately 38 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 193 homes were approved, with an additional 23 so far in FY-26. On average, about 3 people move to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $523,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. In FY-26, $10.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Greater Sydney, Richmond has 55.0% more development activity per person. New development consists of 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character.

With around 159 people per dwelling approval, Richmond shows characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Richmond is expected to grow by approximately 1,329 residents. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key 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 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.

The employment landscape in Richmond presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.2%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Richmond has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.2% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There are 2,972 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Richmond lags behind Greater Sydney at 50.8%, compared to 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Notably, employment levels in public administration & safety are 1.9 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 4.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.9%, with employment decreasing by 3.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

The suburb of Richmond shows a median taxpayer income of $50,495 and an average of $62,350 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income at $83,003. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, Richmond's estimated median income would be approximately $54,969 and average income around $67,874. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Richmond between the 24th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.0% of the population, equating to 1,873 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Richmond, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.3% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 79.7% houses and 20.3% other dwellings. Richmond's home ownership rate was higher at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.3% and rented ones at 45.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Richmond was $1,844, lower than Sydney metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent in Richmond was $375, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Richmond's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,844 against 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 comprise 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, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.6.

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 the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are 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, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 7.4% in primary, 7.0% in tertiary, and 5.6% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 different routes, facilitating 3,521 weekly passenger trips in total. The city's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 210 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 503 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 71 weekly trips per individual 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 across various age groups. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.8% and 10.3% of residents respectively.

Approximately 52% (~3,119 people) have private health cover, compared to 54.8% in Greater Sydney. Around 58.9% of Richmond residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.9% (1,626 people), compared to 17.8% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in Richmond are broadly similar to those of the general 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, accounting for 57.4%. The most significant overrepresentation is seen in 'Other', comprising 2.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (29.0%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Macedonian (1.4%) and Maltese (1.5%) are overrepresented in Richmond relative to regional figures.

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. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.8%, while those aged 5-14 make up a smaller proportion at 7.1%. Since 2021, the percentage of Richmond's population aged 75-84 has increased from 9.4% to 10.8%, while the percentage of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.8% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Richmond's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 457 individuals (115%) from 398 to 856. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting Richmond's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the number of people aged 0-4 is projected to decline by 0 individuals.