Riverstone

Riverstone lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Riverstone is estimated at around 14,297. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 8,627 people, a growth of 5,670 people (65.7%). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 11,995 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 689 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,244 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Riverstone's growth rate exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were 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 where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 18,663 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 114.4% over these 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Riverstone was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Riverstone averaged approximately 241 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,208 homes. As of FY-26182 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, 3.9 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $481,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $4.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverstone shows moderately higher construction activity, at 19.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. However, construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 66.0% detached houses and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 95.0% houses. At around 59 people per approval, Riverstone reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Riverstone is expected to grow by approximately 16,361 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Riverstone Town Centre Rezoning, Riverstone Community Resource Hub and Aquatic Facility, New High School for Schofields and Tallawong, and Schofields Precinct Development. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment environment in Riverstone shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Riverstone has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%.

This is lower than Greater Sydney's unemployment rate of 4.2%, with a workforce participation rate of 76.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A high proportion, 38.8%, of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably concentrated at 1.5 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 7.4% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% while unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by similar rates over the same periods, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Riverstone had an income level above the national average according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Riverstone was $61,359 and the average income stood at $72,454. These figures compared to those for Greater Sydney, which were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,795 (median) and $78,873 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Riverstone clustered around the 70th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 39.0% of residents, which consisted of 5,575 people. This trend was consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 30.9% fell into the same category. High housing costs consumed 19.7% of income, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Riverstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Riverstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Sydney metro's composition of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Riverstone was 19.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.0%) or rented (35.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverstone was $2,513, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Riverstone was recorded at $450, slightly above Sydney metro's figure of $470. Nationally, Riverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Riverstone features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.3% of all households, including 43.3% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 15.6% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Riverstone aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 29.3%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 44.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (24.1%). Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Riverstone has 65 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 unique routes that facilitate 3,269 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 202 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 84% of residents, while train use stands at 11%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.8% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 467 trips daily, equating to roughly 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Riverstone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Riverstone faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~7,943 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 73.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 8.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,258 people), lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Riverstone was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Riverstone's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 30.7% born overseas and 30.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Riverstone, comprising 51.4% of its population. Hinduism, however, was significantly overrepresented, making up 8.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 23.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English followed with 20.4%, and Other groups comprised 15.4% of Riverstone's population. Notably, Filipino (3.7%), Maltese (2.1%), and Indian (5.3%) ethnic groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.0%, 1.0%, and 3.6% respectively.

Riverstone hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Riverstone's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Riverstone has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.0%). Post-2021 Census data indicates the 35-44 age group grew from 16.3% to 19.4%, and the 5-14 cohort increased from 14.8% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 18.1% to 14.4%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Riverstone's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 225%, adding 3,855 residents to reach 5,571.