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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Russell Lea's population is estimated at around 5,045 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 125 people from the previous figure of 4,920 reported in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of approximately 2.5%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,044 following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with an additional six validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 5,045 persons per square kilometer, placing Russell Lea among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area highly sought after. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.0% 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, as well as NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the ABS data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041, anticipating lower quartile growth nationally. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Russell Lea is expected to expand by six persons to reach a total population of 5,051 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 1.1% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Russell Lea has experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 41 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 2 so far in FY-26.

On average, about 0.5 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years. This indicates that supply has been meeting or surpassing demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $720,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Sydney, Russell Lea shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 74.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development in Russell Lea consists of 25.0% detached houses and 75.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 68.0% houses. The location has approximately 305 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Russell Lea is expected to grow by 55 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Russell Lea 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 identified six projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones are Canada Bay Council Infrastructure Program, Five Dock Station under Sydney Metro West, WestConnex M4-M5 Link, and Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS) - Stage 2. The following list details 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.

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

Russell Lea has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. Workforce participation stood at 64.3%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Finance & insurance is particularly prominent with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while retail trade shows lower representation at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Russell Lea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Russell Lea has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $65,137 and the average income stands at $100,908. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $73,351 (median) and $113,632 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Russell Lea rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 93rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.6% of locals (1,644 people) are in the $4000+ category, unlike regional trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A significant 45.4% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 93rd percentile and 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

Russell Lea's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.2% houses and 31.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 37.8% houses and 62.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Russell Lea was 38.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 26.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,290, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $560. 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 higher-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 make up the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Russell Lea is notably high, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (15.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.0%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (5.5%). Russell Lea Public School serves the area, with an enrollment of 412 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1136. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.2, below the regional average of 10.5. Some students may attend schools in nearby areas due to limited local options.

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

Russell Lea has 16 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that together facilitate 1,601 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is excellent, with residents typically living only 144 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 228 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual stop.

Russell Lea's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Russell Lea. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (3,365 people), compared to 68.8% across Greater Sydney.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.3% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 73.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.3% across Greater Sydney. As of 2021, the area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (973 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Russell Lea 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

Russell Lea, surveyed in 2016, had a higher foreign-born population at 27.9%, compared to most local markets. In Russell Lea, 26.7% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 66.6%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 57.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (18.1%), Australian (17.6%), and Italian (17.6%), the latter being notably higher than the regional average of 12.3%. Notably, Greek (4.8% vs 3.1%), Croatian (1.3% vs 0.9%), and Lebanese (1.8% vs 2.2%) groups were overrepresented in Russell Lea compared to regional averages.

Russell Lea hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Russell Lea is 43 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and substantially exceeds 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 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.7% compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.0% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Russell Lea's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 187 people (106%) from 176 to 364. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 45-54 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.