Rydalmere

Rydalmere 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 November 2025, the estimated population of Rydalmere is around 7,402 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 7,274 people, representing a growth of 128 individuals (1.8%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, is 7,364 people. This results in a density ratio of 1,932 persons per square kilometer for Rydalmere, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Rydalmere has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, surpassing the SA3 area's growth rate. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 72.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Rydalmere is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, with an anticipated increase of 6,250 persons by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 89.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Rydalmere among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rydalmere recorded around 89 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 447 homes. As of FY26, 56 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this intensified to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $453,000, aligning with regional trends.

In FY26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rydalmere records elevated construction, 19.0% above the regional average per person over five years, balancing buyer choice and supporting current property values. Development activity has moderated recently. This is substantially higher than nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, currently 53.0% houses, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Rydalmere reflects a low density area with around 184 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Rydalmere will gain 6,655 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.

Rydalmere 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 29 projects likely affecting the area. Key projects include Melrose Central, Melrose Park High School, Melrose Park Urban Renewal Precinct, and Rivea Rydalmere. 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.

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

Rydalmere has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in the area is 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 4,560 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Rydalmere is at par with Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 9.2% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force grew by 3.0%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Rydalmere. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rydalmere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Rydalmere had a median income of $52,768 and an average income of $66,871 in financial year 2022. Nationally, the median was $56,994 and the average was $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest Rydalmere's median income will be approximately $59,422 and the average will be around $75,303, based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Rydalmere cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 31.9% of residents (2,361 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 20.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile nationally. Rydalmere's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Rydalmere, as per the latest Census evaluation, 53.4% of dwellings were houses while 46.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached units and apartments. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 57.3% houses and 42.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rydalmere stood at 22.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 42.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, lower than Sydney metro's $2,600. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $430, compared to Sydney metro's $460. Nationally, Rydalmere's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 73.4% of all households, consisting of 39.4% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than Greater Sydney's average of 2.9.

The educational profile of Rydalmere exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 36.9% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 16.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education. Two schools serve the area: St Mary's Primary School and Rydalmere Public School, collectively educating 532 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1059). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. There are 7.2 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 13.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 57 active transport stops operating within Rydalmere. These include a mix of ferry, light rail, and bus services. There are 22 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 4,458 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 636 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 78 weekly trips per individual stop.

Rydalmere's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Rydalmere, with younger cohorts seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~3,951 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 6.2% and 6.0% of residents respectively. A total of 75.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.3% across Greater Sydney. Rydalmere has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,051 people), which is lower than the 16.6% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Rydalmere's cultural diversity is notable, with 44.4% of its population born overseas and 49.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Rydalmere, accounting for 54.1% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 6.7% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (18.0%), Australian (15.5%), and Chinese (14.7%), which is lower than the regional average of 24.7%. Korean (6.6%) and Lebanese (4.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented, while Filipino is notably lower at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 1.8%.

Rydalmere's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Rydalmere has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.3%, higher than Greater Sydney's figure, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 13.3%. Between 2021 and present day, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 14.7% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 14.3% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Rydalmere's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 100%, adding 980 people and reaching a total of 1,958 from its current figure of 977.