Rozelle

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rozelle reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Rozelle's population is estimated at around 8,756 people. This reflects an increase of 203 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,553 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,770 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,784 persons per square kilometer, placing Rozelle in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 2.4% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 66.0% 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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. Rozelle is expected to grow by 1,682 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 18.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rozelle averaged approximately 46 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY21-FY25, around 231 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY26. Despite recent population decline, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with varied buyer choices.

The average construction cost of new dwellings was approximately $1,219,000, indicating developers targeted the premium market segment. In FY26, $32.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rozelle has 79.0% more building activity per capita. Recent construction comprised 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% townhouses or apartments, favoring higher-density living for affordability and suitability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 93 people per dwelling approval, Rozelle exhibits low-density characteristics.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Rozelle to add approximately 1,656 residents by 2041. Construction pace is steady with projected growth, but increasing population may intensify competition among buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Rozelle Village Mixed-Use Precinct, Rozelle Village, Balmain Shores - Harbourwatch Building G, and The Bays Metro Station Development. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Rozelle remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Rozelle has an educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% in June 2025.

Employment grew by 3.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. There are 5,564 employed residents, with a participation rate of 72.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include professional & technical (1.8 times regional average), finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance (10.8% vs Greater Sydney's 14.1%). Employment levels increased by 3.5% year-to-June 2025, with labour force up by 4.1%, raising unemployment to 4.7%.

Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rozelle's mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.5% in five years and 14.7% in ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Rozelle has a median taxpayer income of $90,355 and an average of $131,767 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This places Rozelle in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $101,749 (median) and $148,383 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Rozelle rank highly nationally, between the 98th and 99th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort spans 41.6% of locals (3,642 people) earning over $4,000 per week, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. The locality exhibits considerable affluence with 52.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 97th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Rozelle displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rozelle's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 24.6% houses and 75.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 30.0% houses and 70.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rozelle stood at 26.6%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented ones at 40.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,500, aligning with the Sydney metro average, while the median weekly rent was $650 compared to Sydney metro's $600. Nationally, Rozelle's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rozelle features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.5% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Rozelle demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Rozelle's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 58.5% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This advantage positions Rozelle strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 36.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 10.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 6.0% in tertiary education, and 5.7% pursuing secondary education. Rozelle's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,547 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1148). Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions. As an education hub, Rozelle has 17.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 10.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Rozelle has 27 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 26 different routes that together facilitate 6,459 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 154 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 922 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 239 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Rozelle has excellent health outcomes, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 79% of the total population (6,897 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.9 and 7.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.3%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 73.2%. The area has a notable senior population, with 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,269 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Rozelle was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rozelle, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 14.0% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. In terms of birthplace, 31.1% of Rozelle's population was born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 39.7% of the population.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation in Rozelle compared to Greater Sydney, with 0.6% versus 0.7%. The top three ancestral groups were English (27.4%), Australian (19.4%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, French (0.9%) and Welsh (0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Russian ethnicity also showed a slight increase from the regional average of 0.5%.

Rozelle's median age exceeds the national pattern

Rozelle's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in Rozelle at 15.4%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 7.8% to 9.6%, while the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.9% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 35-44 age cohort has decreased from 18.8% to 17.6%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest Rozelle's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 346 people (an 81% increase) from 429 to 776. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to remain relatively stable with a modest growth of 0%, adding just 1 person.