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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Riverwood is around 13,589. 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 the resident population at 13,260 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,538 persons per square kilometer, placing Riverwood in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from Feb 2016 to Feb 2026, Riverwood has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the suburb 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Riverwood, with an expected growth of 4,375 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 29.9% in total over the 17 years from Feb 2026 to Dec 2041.

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

Riverwood has seen approximately 52 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, around 262 homes were granted approval, with an additional 42 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has accommodated 0.5 new residents annually.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average construction value of new properties in Riverwood is $448,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial approvals have totaled $4.5 million, suggesting limited focus on commercial development.

Recent construction trends show 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% medium to high-density housing, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 381 people per dwelling approval, Riverwood demonstrates a developed market with a projected population increase of 4,063 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying 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: - Pennsylvania Road Residential Development (17-21 Pennsylvania Road, Riverwood) - Punchbowl Station Upgrade (part of Sydney Metro City & Southwest project) - Riverwood Community Centre Upgrade - Seniors Housing projects at 21 Charles St, Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Rd, Peakhurst.

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

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

Riverwood has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 8.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of September 2025, 6,417 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is lower at 60.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. A high 37.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Riverwood has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.7 times the regional level), but education & training is under-represented (6.5% vs Greater Sydney's 8.9%).

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by resident population vs working population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, labour force grew 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%, with a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. 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 Riverwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Riverwood's median income among taxpayers is $48,872. The average income in the suburb is $64,586. Nationally, both figures are lower than average. Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 until September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,202 (median) and $70,308 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Riverwood's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 27.3% of residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Riverwood, with only 76.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile.

Riverwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Riverwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.1% houses and 61.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverwood was at 19.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 56.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverwood was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Riverwood features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.7 percent of all households, including 28.5 percent couples with children, 20.7 percent couples without children, and 15.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.3 percent, with lone person households at 30.2 percent and group households comprising 4.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Riverwood trail has 30.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 14.4%.

Educational participation is 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 18 different routes, collectively facilitating 3,998 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent with residents typically situated 122 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Riverwood commuters travel outward. Cars remain the prevalent mode at 68%, followed by train at 21% and bus at 5%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 0.8, below regional averages.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 571 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions' prevalence is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Riverwood's total population (~7,131 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.9%) and diabetes (6.5%), with 72.9% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Under-65 residents exhibit better health outcomes than average. Riverwood has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,098 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Senior health outcomes in Riverwood are above average, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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, comprising 43.6%. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 7.6% versus 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the most represented group at 29.3%, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%. Other and Australian are also notable groups in Riverwood, comprising 18.5% and 9.8% respectively, though the latter is lower than the regional average of 17.8%. There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Lebanese at 5.0%, Filipino at 3.5%, and Spanish at 0.8%, each higher than their respective regional averages.

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 median age of 38. Comparing the age distributions, Riverwood has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort at 11.7%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.8%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.6% to 12.9%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 10.4% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Riverwood's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 889 people (an 87% increase) from 1,019 to 1,909. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Riverwood's aging demographic trend. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow modestly by 5%, adding only 29 residents.