Russell Lea

Russell Lea is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Russell Lea is around 4,999. This figure reflects an increase of 79 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,920. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,994 residents following their 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 results in a density ratio of 4,999 persons per square kilometer, placing Russell Lea in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% to 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Russell Lea is anticipated to expand by 3 persons by 2041, reflecting a decline of 0.0% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Russell Lea, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Russell Lea has seen approximately 7 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, around 35 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. The average population growth per dwelling built over these years was 0.3 people annually.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and potential for population growth. New properties are being constructed at an average value of $720,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $2.6 million, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to Greater Sydney, where Russell Lea records 78.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties, though recent periods have seen increased development activity. The area's new developments consist of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing pattern of 68.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living can create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Russell Lea has approximately 481 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Russell Lea may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Russell Lea 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 six projects expected to affect this region. Notable ones are Canada Bay Council Infrastructure Program, Five Dock Station as part of Sydney Metro West, WestConnex M4-M5 Link, and Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS) - Stage 2.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Russell Lea significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Russell Lea has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector particularly well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,875 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Russell Lea is similar to Greater Sydney's at 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 54.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. The area shows strong specialization in finance & insurance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Retail trade has limited presence, with 7.0% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 1.5%, and employment declined by 1.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2% and labour force expanded by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Russell Lea's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Russell Lea had a median income among taxpayers of $65,137. The average income stood at $100,908, placing it in the top percentile nationally. This compares to $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Russell Lea would be approximately $70,908 (median) and $109,848 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Russell Lea rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes between the 87th and 93rd percentiles. The income bracket of $40,000+ dominates with 32.6% of residents (1,629 people), differing from metropolitan patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 45.4% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 93rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Russell Lea displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Russell Lea, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.2% houses and 31.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Russell Lea stood at 38.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (26.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,290, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $520, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Russell Lea's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Russell Lea has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Russell Lea has a higher educational attainment than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 41.9% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. The area's most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 10.2% while certificates make up 15.1%.

Educational participation is high in Russell Lea, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 19 operational public transport stops in Russell Lea. These comprise bus services only. There are 23 distinct routes serving these stops, collectively facilitating 1,703 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically situated 144 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Car remains dominant at 83%, with bus use at 6%.

Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.4, above regional averages. High work-from-home rate of 54.8% was recorded in the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 243 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 89 weekly trips per individual stop.

Russell Lea's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Russell Lea shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (3,334 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.3 and 6.1% respectively, while 73.4% report no medical ailments, close to the Greater Sydney figure of 74.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Russell Lea has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5%, compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Russell Lea was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Russell Lea had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.9% of its population born overseas and 26.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Russell Lea, accounting for 66.6% of people, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (18.1%), Australian (17.6%), and Italian (17.6%), significantly higher than the regional average of 3.4%.

Notably, Greek (4.8%) was overrepresented in Russell Lea compared to the regional average of 1.9%, as were Croatian (1.3% vs 0.7%) and Lebanese (1.8% vs 2.6%).

Russell Lea hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Russell Lea is 43 years, considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent at 16.0%, while the 25-34 group is comparatively smaller at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.4%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 5.5% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Russell Lea's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 175 people (92%) from 189 to 365. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 98% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.