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, the suburb of Riverwood's population is estimated at around 14,158 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,365 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,793 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,084 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,687 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Riverwood's 10.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.5%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast. The suburb is expected to grow by 4,785 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.3% in total over the 16 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, Riverwood recorded around 52 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 262 homes were approved, with another 53 so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.5 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed.

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

Recent construction comprises 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% medium to high-density housing. This emphasis on higher-density living 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 4,711 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. Key projects include the 17-21 Pennsylvania Road Residential Development in Riverwood, the upgrade of the Riverwood Community Centre, the Punchbowl Station Upgrade for Sydney Metro City & Southwest, and the development at 21 Charles St Riverwood and 7-9 Brighton Rd Peakhurst for seniors housing. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 7.8% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 6.0%. As of December 2025, 6,841 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Riverwood lagged at 60.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 37.9% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, education & training was under-represented, at 6.5% of Riverwood's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. Employment levels increased by 6.0% and labour force by 6.5% in Riverwood during the year to December 2025, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years for Riverwood, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Riverwood's median income among taxpayers is $48,872, with an average of $64,586. This is lower than the national average. Greater Sydney has a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Riverwood would be approximately $53,916 (median) and $71,251 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Riverwood fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 with 27.3% of residents (3,865 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region 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 higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Riverwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 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 was $2,167, below Sydney metro's $2,427. The median weekly rent was $300, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Riverwood's 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Greater Sydney's 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 its 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 (21.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 6.5% in 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 routes, collectively providing 3,998 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 122 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 68%, followed by train at 21% and bus at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 37.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 571 trips per day across all routes, 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. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (7,430 people), slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 6.9 and 6.5% of residents respectively. A total of 72.9% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Under-65 residents show better health outcomes than average. The area has 3,256 seniors (23%), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes are above average and comparable with 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 by the year 20XX. Christianity is the predominant religion in Riverwood, making up 43.6% of the population. However, Buddhism stands out with 7.6%, compared to the regional average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese people make up 29.3% of Riverwood's population, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%. The 'Other' group comprises 18.5%, and Australians make up 9.8%, lower than the regional average of 17.8%. Notably, Lebanese people are overrepresented at 5.0% (regional average: 2.6%), Filipinos at 3.5% (regional average: 2.0%), and Spanish people at 0.8% (regional average: 0.6%).

Riverwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Riverwood's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 37 and Australia's 38 years. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Riverwood at 13.9%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 6.4% to 8.6%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 2.4% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 10.4% to 8.3%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Riverwood's age profile will significantly shift. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 91%, from 1,217 to 2,320 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 6% (36 people).