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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of February 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 AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,615 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, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 70.0% 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of national areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 308 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 6.9% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Silverwater shows approximately 2 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 10 homes. In FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting new supply has kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $556,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year, $71,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Silverwater records significantly lower building activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent construction activity has increased. Nationally, Silverwater's level of development is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Silverwater has been entirely comprised of townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 31.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 783 people per dwelling approval, Silverwater reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Silverwater is expected to grow by 250 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, Club Ryde Ex Mixed Use Development, 287-295 Victoria Road Development, and Newington Reserve Upgrade. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Silverwater has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Silverwater has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%.

As of September 2025, 1,408 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Silverwater was significantly lower at 45.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 36.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area showed strong specialization in other services with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employed only 8.3% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. There were 2.2 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Silverwater functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6% and labour force grew by 3.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1%, labour force expansion of 2.4%, and an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Silverwater. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Silverwater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Silverwater had a median income among taxpayers of $48,116 and an average income of $57,386. These figures are lower than the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Silverwater as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,379 and $62,470 respectively. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Silverwater were at the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 39.1% of locals (1,416 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 21.7% of income in Silverwater, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 30.6% houses and 69.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 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, lower than 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 versus 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 4.3%. 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

Silverwater's educational attainment is notably high: 45.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 30.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 15.6%, certificates for 18.9%. Educational participation is notably high in Silverwater, 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

Silverwater has 34 active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by three routes offering a total of 605 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is excellent with residents typically 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outwards; cars dominate at 81%, followed by trains (6%) and walking (6%). Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 36.7% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 86 trips across all routes, equating to about 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was 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 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (260 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.3% of its population born overseas and 66.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Silverwater, making up 46.4% of the population. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, comprising 22.0% of Silverwater's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (20.1%), Korean (17.7%), and Chinese (11.1%). Notably, Lebanese (6.6%) and Hungarian (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Silverwater compared to regional averages, while Samoan is also notably present 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 percentage of residents aged 25-34 (23.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.3%). 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. The key demographic shifts showed that the 55-64 age group grew from 7.2% to 9.6%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 1.5% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group decreased from 24.5% to 22.9%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 25.1% to 23.6%. Population forecasts for Silverwater in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 74% from 521 to 906 people. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.