Riverwood

Riverwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Riverwood's population is estimated at around 13,443. This reflects an increase of 650 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,793. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,317 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, and an additional 151 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,500 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 compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Considering these projections, a significant population increase is forecast for Riverwood, with the area expected to grow by 4,395 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 31.4% over the 17 years.

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

Riverwood recorded approximately 54 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 273 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling was observed.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $446,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $22.9 million, indicating ongoing commercial investment activity.

Recent construction consists of 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% medium to high-density housing, promoting affordability and suitability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With approximately 381 people per dwelling approval, Riverwood exhibits a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Riverwood is projected to gain 4,221 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not 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 the residential development at 17-21 Pennsylvania Road in Riverwood, the upgrade of the Riverwood Community Centre, the development at 21 Charles Street in Riverwood and the seniors housing project at 7-9 Brighton Road in Peakhurst, and the upgrade of Punchbowl Station for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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 professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 7.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of June 2025, 6,355 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Sydney's at 3.6%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags behind Greater Sydney, at 46.5% compared to 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

However, education & training is under-represented at 6.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Riverwood's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Riverwood's median income among taxpayers is $48,853, with an average of $64,554. Nationally, this is approximately average, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% would be approximately $55,013 (median) and $72,694 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Riverwood's household, family, and personal incomes 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 (3,669 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, ranking at the 9th percentile.

Riverwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Riverwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.1% houses and 61.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, '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 was $2,167, and the median weekly rent was $300. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than 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 comprise the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households making up 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

Riverwood Trail has 30.4% of residents aged 15+ 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 held by 25.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 14.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (8.4%), secondary (7.0%), and tertiary (6.5%). Riverwood's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 720 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1033) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available in surrounding areas.

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

Riverwood has 81 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, facilitating a total of 3,534 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 122 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 504 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 43 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 have shown relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence rates for common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~7,053 people). Arthritis and diabetes are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.9% and 6.5% of residents respectively. A total of 72.9% of residents reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Sydney. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 21.8%, comprising approximately 2,930 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health 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, comprising 43.6% of people. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 7.6% compared to None% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (29.3%), Other (18.5%), and Australian (9.8%). Certain ethnic groups show significant divergences: Lebanese at 5.0%, Filipino at 3.5%, and Spanish at 0.8%.

Riverwood's median age exceeds 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 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Riverwood has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort (11.4%) and an under-representation of the 5-14 year-olds (9%). Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 12.8%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Riverwood's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to surge dramatically, increasing by 959 people (101%) from 954 to 1,914. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend in the area. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow modestly at 1%, adding only 24 residents.