Riverwood

Population growth drivers in Riverwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Riverwood statistical area's population is estimated at 13,589 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 796 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,793. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 13,260 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional 151 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,538 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Riverwood has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data. Considering projected demographic shifts, significant population increase is forecasted for the area, expected to grow by 4,392 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 30.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Riverwood according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Riverwood has recorded around 52 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 262 homes were approved in Riverwood. By FY-26, an additional 42 homes have been approved so far.

The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years is 0.5. This suggests that new construction matches or outpaces demand, providing buyers with more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average construction value for new properties in Riverwood is $448,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY-26, there have been $4.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Recent construction comprises 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% medium and high-density housing, with a focus on higher-density living creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Riverwood shows a developed market with around 381 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Riverwood is forecasted to gain approximately 4,072 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.

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

Fourteen projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include the residential development at 17-21 Pennsylvania Road in Riverwood, the upgrade of Punchbowl Station for Sydney Metro City & Southwest, the improvement of the Riverwood Community Centre, and the seniors housing developments at 21 Charles St in Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Rd in Peakhurst. The following list provides details on those most likely to be relevant.

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The labour market performance in Riverwood lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Riverwood's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 8.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of September 2025, 6,413 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Riverwood lagged significantly at 46.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. However, education & training was under-represented, with only 6.5% of Riverwood's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Sydney. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9% while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov showed employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverwood's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Riverwood's median taxpayer income is $48,872 and average is $64,586. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. Greater Sydney's median income is $60,817 with an average of $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest Riverwood's median income will be approximately $53,202 and average $70,308, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census 2021 data indicates Riverwood incomes fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 with 27.3% of residents (3,709 people), similar to surrounding regions at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Riverwood, with only 76.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Riverwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a predominantly rental market

The dwelling structure in Riverwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 38.1% houses and 61.9% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The level of home ownership within Riverwood was 19.9%, with 24.0% of dwellings mortgaged and 56.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Riverwood features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 65.7% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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

In Riverwood Trail, as of the latest regional benchmarks, 30.4% of residents aged 15 years or above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. The most common educational attainment is bachelor degrees at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15 years or above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.4%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary education at 8.4%, secondary education at 7.0%, and tertiary education at 6.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Riverwood has 94 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 3,998 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents on average being located just 122 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 571 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Riverwood residents show positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Private health cover is at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 6.9% and 6.5% respectively. A total of 72.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. There are 21.8% seniors aged 65 and over (2,962 people). Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

Riverwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Riverwood has a high level of cultural diversity, with 66.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 58.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverwood, accounting for 43.6% of its population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Riverwood compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 7.6% versus None%.

The top three ancestry groups in Riverwood are Chinese at 29.3%, Other at 18.5%, and Australian at 9.8%. Notably, Lebanese (5.0%), Filipino (3.5%), and Spanish (0.8%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Riverwood compared to the regional average of None% each.

Riverwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Riverwood has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Riverwood has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (11.4% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 5-14 (9.0%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.6% to 12.8%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 10.4% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Riverwood's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 948 people (a 98% increase) from 964 to 1,913. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting Riverwood's aging demographic trend. The 35-44 age group is projected to have modest growth of 0%, adding only 5 residents.