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 Riverstone statistical area's population is estimated at around 14,155 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 5,528 people (64.1%) 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 Jun 2024 and an additional 667 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,222 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Riverstone's 64.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.6%), along with the metropolitan area, 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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the Riverstone (SA2) expected to increase by 21,467 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 134.7% 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

Riverstone's building approvals data from AreaSearch indicates approximately 242 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,212 homes were approved, with an additional 156 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 3.9 people over the past five financial years, indicating high demand outstripping supply.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $481,000, targeting the premium market. Commercial development approvals totaled $4.3 million in FY-26, reflecting Riverstone's residential character. Comparatively, Riverstone shows moderately higher development activity than Greater Sydney (22.0% above regional average per person over five years), balancing buyer choice and supporting current property values. However, recent periods have seen development activity moderating. Nationally, developer confidence in Riverstone is strong, as indicated by its substantially higher development activity.

New building activity comprises 66.0% detached dwellings and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 95.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. Riverstone has approximately 58 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Riverstone will add 19,070 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 has identified 27 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Riverstone Town Centre Rezoning, Riverstone Community Resource Hub and Aquatic Facility, New High School for Schofields and Tallawong, and Schofields Precinct Development. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment grew by 6.5%. As of that date, 6,595 residents are employed while the local unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Riverstone is 64.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction shows notable concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.4% versus the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.5%, labour force grew by 5.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points in Riverstone. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% with unemployment rising slightly. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%. The state's unemployment rate is 3.9%, favourably comparing to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, valid for five and ten-year periods starting May-25, suggest overall growth rates of 6.6% and 13.7%. Applying these projections to Riverstone's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Riverstone has 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 is $61,359 and the average income stands at $72,454. In comparison, Greater Sydney's figures are $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Riverstone would be approximately $66,795 (median) and $78,873 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census 2021 income data, incomes in Riverstone cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.0% of residents (5,520 people). High housing costs consume 19.7% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Riverstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Riverstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverstone stood at 19.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.0% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,513, below Sydney metro's $2,700. Median weekly rent in Riverstone was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $540. Nationally, Riverstone's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,513 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 lower-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 make up 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, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.3.

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+, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 24.1%. Educational participation is high, with 31.7% 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 67 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 different routes, together facilitating 3269 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 202 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 467 trips per day, equating to roughly 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverstone's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Riverstone. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~7,864 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.7% and 7.7% of residents respectively. 73.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 80.0%. Riverstone has 9.0% (1,273 people) of its population aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 7.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader 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 shows high cultural diversity, with 30.7% born overseas and 30.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverstone, comprising 51.4%. Hinduism, however, is underrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up only 8.9% of Riverstone's population versus 20.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (23.7%) and English (20.4%) groups are overrepresented in Riverstone compared to regional averages of 15.0% and 13.2%, respectively. The 'Other' group is underrepresented at 15.4%. Notable divergences exist for Filipino (3.7% vs 6.2%), Maltese (2.1% vs 1.7%), and Indian (5.3% vs 16.9%) ethnic groups.

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

At 32 years, Riverstone's median age is materially younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Riverstone has a higher concentration of 5-14 residents at 16.6% but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 5.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 16.3% to 19.2%, while the 5-14 cohort increased from 14.8% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 18.1% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Riverstone's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45-54 cohort projected to grow strongly at 267%, adding 4,464 residents to reach 6,135.