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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Riverwood is around 13,589. This figure represents an increase of 796 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,793. The current resident population estimate of 13,260 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this increase. This results in a population 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, ending in 2021, Riverwood has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outperforming the SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed 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 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Riverwood, with an expected growth of 4,366 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 29.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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 46 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years has accommodated approximately 0.5 new residents annually.

This pace of construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new properties in Riverwood is $448,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In the current financial year, there have been approximately $4.5 million worth of commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development.

Recent construction trends show 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% medium to high-density housing, suggesting 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. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Riverwood is projected to gain approximately 4,037 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 in the future.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include the residential development at 17-21 Pennsylvania Road in Riverwood, the upgrade of Punchbowl Station for Sydney Metro City & Southwest, the community centre upgrade in Riverwood, and senior housing developments at 21 Charles St Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Rd Peakhurst. The following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 8.2% in the past year, showing an estimated growth of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 6,466 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Riverwood is lower at 61.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant proportion, 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. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, education & training is under-represented, with only 6.5% of Riverwood's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 5.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2% and labour force expand by 2.3%. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 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 approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 income among taxpayers is $48,872, with an average of $64,586. This is lower than the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Riverwood would be approximately $53,202 (median) and $70,308 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Riverwood all fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.3% of residents (3,709 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.1% houses and 61.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverwood stood at 19.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 56.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Riverwood was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 against 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 comprise 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, 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's residents aged 15+ have a university degree rate of 30.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.4%), are held by 25.3% of residents aged 15+. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% 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 are served by 18 routes, providing a total of 3,998 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 122 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 68%, followed by train at 21% and bus at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 571 trips per day, equating 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's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health condition 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%), while 72.9% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Under-65 health outcomes are better than average. Riverwood has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,125 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 one of the highest language diversity rates in the country, with 66.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 58.5% of Riverwood's population resides there. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 43.6%.

Buddhism, however, is more prevalent here at 7.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%. In terms of ancestry, Chinese heritage is most prominent at 29.3%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 8.4%. Other and Australian heritages follow at 18.5% and 9.8% respectively, with the latter notably lower than the regional average of 17.8%. Some ethnic groups show notable variations: Lebanese at 5.0% (regional average 2.6%), Filipino at 3.5% (2.0%), and Spanish at 0.8% (0.6%).

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 38 years. Locally, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 11.7% compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.9%, and the 85+ cohort has grown from 2.4% to 3.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Riverwood's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 881 people (an 85% increase) from 1,032 to 1,914. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. The 0-4 group is projected to grow modestly at 5%, adding only 30 residents.