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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Riverstone's population is estimated at around 14,297 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 5,670 people (65.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,627 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,995 estimated by AreaSearch 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,244 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Riverstone's 65.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration 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. Exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over this period with the suburb expected to grow by 21,515 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 132.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Riverstone shows around 242 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,212 homes were approved, with an additional 156 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This high demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $481,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $4.3 million, reflecting Riverstone's residential character. Comparatively, Riverstone exhibits moderately higher development activity than Greater Sydney, at 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This suggests strong developer confidence in the location despite recent moderation in development activity.

New building activity comprises 66.0% detached dwellings and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a blend of housing types to cater to various price ranges. Riverstone's existing housing is predominantly houses (95.0%), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites. The location has approximately 58 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Riverstone will add 18,989 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects 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 labour market in Riverstone shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Riverstone has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate in Riverstone as of September 2025 was 3.5%. This rate is 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.4%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 6,598 residents in work as of September 2025, with a workforce participation rate of 76.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 38.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.4% versus the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4%, and labour force increased by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment expansion by 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 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Riverstone suburb's income level is above national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Riverstone is $61,359 and average income stands at $72,454, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,795 (median) and $78,873 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Riverstone cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.0% of residents (5,575 people), aligning with regional figures where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 19.7% of income, placing disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverstone was at 19.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.0% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,513, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Riverstone was recorded at $450, compared to Sydney metro's figure of $470. Nationally, Riverstone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 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 held by 33.7% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (24.1%). Educational participation is high, with 31.7% currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 different routes, collectively facilitating 3,269 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using cars predominantly at 84%, while 11% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 38.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 467 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, impacting 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 9.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,301 people), which is 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%. However, Hinduism was notably overrepresented at 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 and Other groups comprised 20.4% and 15.4% respectively. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Filipino at 3.7% (vs regional 2.0%), Maltese at 2.1% (vs 1.0%), and Indian at 5.3% (vs 3.6%).

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 (16.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5%). According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 35 to 44 grew from 16.3% to 19.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 14.8% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 18.1% to 14.0%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Riverstone's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 cohort (252%), adding 4,388 residents to reach a total of 6,133.