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

The population of the suburb of Rydalmere is estimated to be around 8,379 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,274 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,693 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,187 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 15.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's growth rate of 7.8% and the Greater Sydney region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed 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 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is predicted to grow by 6,276 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 68.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Rydalmere among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rydalmere recorded around 87 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 439 homes. As of FY-26109 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $453,000, slightly above the regional average.

This year, $10.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rydalmere has elevated construction activity, with 16.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. The area is seeing a shift towards higher-density living, with 87.0% townhouses or apartments approved compared to 13.0% standalone homes. This change reflects reduced development site availability and shifting lifestyle demands. Currently, there are approximately 78 people per dwelling approval in Rydalmere. By 2041, the population is forecasted to grow by 5,709 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rydalmere 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 29 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones 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.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Rydalmere maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Rydalmere has a well-educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

The unemployment rate in Rydalmere is 0.1% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is higher at 76.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 45.3% of residents work from home. 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 show lower representation at 9.2% versus the regional average of 11.5%. The ratio of workers to residents is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rydalmere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Rydalmere had median income among taxpayers of $52,768 and average income of $66,871. Nationally, median income was $60,817 and average income was $83,003 in Greater Sydney. As of September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $57,443 and average income is $72,796, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, incomes in Rydalmere cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.9% of population falls within $1,500 - $2,999 income range, 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 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Rydalmere, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.4% houses and 46.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rydalmere was at 22.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (42.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $430, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Rydalmere's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 73.4% of all households, including 39.4% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.6% and graduate diplomas at 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.

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

Rydalmere has 60 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry, light rail, and bus services. These are covered by 22 routes serving 5,995 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically located 127 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car use dominates at 83%, while train and bus usage stands at 6% each. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.3% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 856 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 99 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Rydalmere is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Rydalmere shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nears the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is held by approximately 53% of Rydalmere's total population (~4,472 people), slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.2 and 6.0% of residents respectively. A majority (75.3%) report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a senior population of 14.9%, or 1,248 people. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.4% of its population born overseas and 49.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rydalmere, accounting for 54.1% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 6.7% versus 6.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (18.0%), Australian (15.5%), and Chinese (14.7%), which is higher than the regional average of 8.4%. Korean (6.6%) and Lebanese (4.0%) populations are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Filipino representation is slightly higher at 2.5% versus 2.0%.

Rydalmere's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Rydalmere has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 12.3% of Rydalmere's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.7%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 7.5% to 8.6%. During this period, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Rydalmere's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 76%, reaching 1,962 people from its current figure of 1,114.