Rosebery (NSW)

Rosebery 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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Rosebery (NSW) is around 15,214. This represents an increase of 1,681 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,533. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 14,836 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7,882 persons per square kilometer, placing Rosebery in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.4% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (7.8%) and Greater Sydney's growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 2,501 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Rosebery recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Rosebery shows approximately 140 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 703 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates around 2.3 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is approximately $983,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $3.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Rosebery's residential character. New development consists of 7% detached houses and 93% medium to high-density housing, demonstrating a shift from the area's current housing composition of 23% houses. With around 1082 people per approval, Rosebery exhibits signs of maturity and established status. Future projections estimate an increase of 2,123 residents by 2041.

Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 46 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include One Global Gallery (previously Eastlakes Live), Corio Group Seniors Living Rosebery, Green Square Town Centre, and 761-765 Botany Road Mixed Development. The following list outlines those most 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 in Rosebery shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Rosebery has an educated workforce with a notable technology sector presence and an unemployment rate of 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 8,947 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation in Rosebery matches Greater Sydney's 70.2%.

Census responses indicate that 51.9% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. The key industries for employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Professional & technical services have a particularly high concentration at 1.3 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has lower representation at 10.8% compared to the regional average of 14.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work despite local employment opportunities.

Over a 12-month period, Rosebery's labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment fell by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rosebery's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Rosebery suburb's income level is extremely high nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $64,012 and average income stands at $81,328. These figures compare with 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 Rosebery would be approximately $69,683 (median) and $88,534 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Rosebery rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 88th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 34.3% of residents (5,218 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Rosebery demonstrates considerable affluence with 35.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 20.5% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 75th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Rosebery's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 23.1% houses and 76.9% 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 Rosebery was at 20.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.4% and rented ones at 51.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Rosebery was recorded at $580, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Rosebery's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rosebery features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 63.9% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Rosebery shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Rosebery's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 50.3% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%).

Vocational pathways account for 23.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 12.5%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in tertiary education, 5.2% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Rosebery has 61 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 20 different routes, facilitating 5,318 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 125 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 64%, followed by buses at 11% and trains at 10%. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 759 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 87 weekly trips per individual stop.

Rosebery's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Rosebery's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 59% of Rosebery's total population (8,982 people) has private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.6 and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 80.9%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Rosebery has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.7% (1,627 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Rosebery are particularly strong and rank broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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

Rosebery has one of the highest cultural diversities in Australia, with 47.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 53.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rosebery, accounting for 47.4% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 1.5% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (17.4%), Chinese (16.3%, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%), and English (14.3%). Notably, Greek (6.7%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.9%, as are Russian (1.2% vs 0.4%) and Spanish (1.0% vs 0.6%).

Rosebery's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Rosebery has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rosebery has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (26.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 17.4% to 19.4%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 12.9% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 29.4% to 26.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Rosebery. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 1,090 residents to reach a total of 4,042. However, the 15 to 24 age group is forecasted to decrease by 150 residents.