Richmond (NSW)

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

As of Nov 2025, Richmond's population is estimated at around 5,705 people. This figure reflects an increase of 287 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,418 people in the suburb of Richmond (NSW). The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Richmond by AreaSearch indicated a resident population of 5,606 as of June 2024. This estimation was further validated with an additional 19 new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is approximately 212 persons per square kilometer. Richmond's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.6%.

Interstate migration contributed around 69.0% to overall population gains in recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting 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 this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase its population by 1,590 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 29.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Richmond when compared nationally

Richmond has recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 150 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 3.8 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new homes is $523,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals registered have a total value of $439,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Richmond has slightly more development, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New development consists of 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (55.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 294 people per dwelling approval, Richmond exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Richmond is projected to add 1,688 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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 likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Redbank North Richmond Master-Planned Community, Hawkesbury Oasis Aquatic and Fitness Centre Improvements, Shared Path Bridge Over Rickabys Creek, and Redbank Village Centre Commercial Precinct. 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 3.5%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Richmond has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

In June 2025, 2982 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Richmond lagged significantly at 50.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Public administration & safety had notably high employment levels, at 1.9 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence with 4.7% employment compared to 11.5% regionally. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4%, combined with employment decreasing by 2.5%, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 offer further insight into potential future demand within Richmond. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. 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 levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Richmond's median taxpayer income was $50,495 and average was $62,350 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $56,994 and average of $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest Richmond's median income will be approximately $56,862 and average will be around $70,212, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Richmond rank modestly, between the 24th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.0% of Richmond's population (1,768 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 data, comprised 55.3% houses and 44.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 79.7% houses and 20.3% other dwellings. Richmond's home ownership rate stood at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.3% and rented ones at 45.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,844, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Richmond's median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Sydney metro's $400. 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 account for 55.7% of all households, consisting of 19.3% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 23.4%, significantly below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 at 27.8%, including primary education (7.4%), tertiary education (7.0%), and secondary education (5.6%). Six schools operate within Richmond, educating approximately 1,257 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) offering balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with four primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub with 22.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.1, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Richmond shows that there are 36 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train stations and bus stops. A total of 55 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 3,142 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 448 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 87 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Richmond's total population (~2,944 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Richmond, impacting 11.8 and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Greater Sydney. Richmond has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.8% (1,528 people), compared to the 17.8% in Greater Sydney. The health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Richmond was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Richmond's cultural diversity is above average, with 20.6% of its residents born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Richmond, accounting for 57.4% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 2.0% of Richmond's population, compared to 1.1% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.0%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Macedonian at 1.4% in Richmond versus 0.5% regionally, Maltese at 1.5% versus 4.6%, and Hungarian at 0.3%.

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

The median age in Richmond is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.8% of the population, while those aged 5-14 comprise only 7.1%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75-84 has increased from 9.4% to 10.8%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Richmond's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 478 people (127%), from 376 to 855. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is projected to grow by only 6%, adding just 19 residents.