Silverwater (Parramatta - NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Silverwater (Parramatta - NSW) is around 3,622. This reflects an increase of 22 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,600. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,615 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,341 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Silverwater is expected to expand by 319 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.6% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Silverwater is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Silverwater has seen approximately 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 10 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests demand has likely been met by new supply, offering good choice to buyers. Developments average $556,000 in construction cost, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $71,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly residential. Compared to Greater Sydney, Silverwater's building activity is 94.0% below the regional average per person. Recent intensification of construction activity may reinforce demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Silverwater's development level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible constraints. All recent developments have been townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's current housing composition (31.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 783 people per dwelling approval, Silverwater reflects a highly mature market.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Silverwater will grow by 312 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

A total of 18 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact a particular area. Key projects include Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, Club Ryde Ex Mixed Use Development, 287-295 Victoria Road Development, and Newington Reserve Upgrade. The following list details those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Silverwater has been broadly consistent with national averages

Silverwater has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 5.2%. As of December 2025, 1,418 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was at 46.4%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A high 36.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Other services have a strong presence with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employed just 8.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.2 workers per resident. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2%, labour force grew by 4.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years for Silverwater's employment mix, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Silverwater had a median income among taxpayers of $48,116 and an average income of $57,386. This is lower than the national average of $60,817 and compares to levels of $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,379 (median) and $62,470 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Silverwater cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 39.1% of locals (1,416 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 21.7% of income, leaving disposable income at the 50th percentile.

Silverwater features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Silverwater's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 30.6% houses and 69.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Silverwater was at 13.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 50.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Silverwater was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Silverwater's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 72.4% of all households, including 37.0% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

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

In Silverwater, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is significantly higher than national and state averages. Specifically, 45.7% of Silverwater residents have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This educational advantage is particularly notable in the area's high proportion of Bachelor degree holders (30.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (15.6%) and certificates (18.9%). Educational participation in Silverwater is high, with 57.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.3% in primary education, 11.2% in tertiary education, and 11.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 34 active transport stops in Silverwater, consisting of bus services. These stops are covered by three different routes, offering a total of 605 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 81%, followed by train at 6% and walking at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 36.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 86 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per stop.

Silverwater'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 Silverwater. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,799 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.6 and 4.0% of residents respectively. 80.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 7.1% of residents aged 65 and over (257 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Silverwater's population shows high cultural diversity, with 42.3% born overseas and 66.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 46.4%. Islam is overrepresented at 22.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (20.1%), Korean (17.7%), and Chinese (11.1%). Notably, Lebanese (6.6%) and Hungarian (0.5%) populations exceed regional averages, while Samoan representation is also higher at 1.1%.

Silverwater's population is younger than the national pattern

Silverwater's median age in 2021 was 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is slightly below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Silverwater had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.2%). This concentration of 25-34-year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Silverwater's median age increased from 35 to 36 years. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 grew from 7.2% to 9.4%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 1.5% to 2.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 decreased from 24.5% to 22.3%, and those aged 25-34 dropped from 25.1% to 23.0%. Population forecasts for Silverwater in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to increase substantially by 78% from 507 to 902 people. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.