St Clair (Penrith - NSW)

St Clair has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, St Clair's population is estimated at around 20,602 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 660 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,942 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,377 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,861 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 61.0% 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 172 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 744 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in St Clair, 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, St Clair averaged around 46 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 234 homes. In FY26 so far, 44 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $312,000. This financial year, $2.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, St Clair has significantly less development activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Relative to the national average, St Clair's activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 98.0% houses, indicating diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. St Clair indicates a mature market with around 478 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, St Clair may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

St Clair 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 has identified eight projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones include the Erskine Park Employment Area Expansion, M12 Motorway, Mamre Road Upgrade from M4 to Erskine Park Road (Stage 1), and Western Sydney Aerotropolis Infrastructure Development. 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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Employment performance in St Clair has been broadly consistent with national averages

St Clair's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 3.2%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Out of the 10,839 residents employed, 67.9% participate in the workforce, slightly below Greater Sydney's 70.2%.

Notably, 29.2% of residents work from home. The key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. St Clair has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, but lower representation in professional & technical services at 4.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Over December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.7% and employment by 4.6%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Clair's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of St Clair had a median taxpayer income of $56,872 and an average income of $63,145 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. These figures are below the national averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,911 (median) and $68,740 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in St Clair cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 38.6% of locals (7,952 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This pattern is also seen in the broader area where 30.9% occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 69th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

St Clair is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

St Clair's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.5% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Clair stood at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 47.1% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in St Clair was $440, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, St Clair'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.

St Clair features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 84.1% of all households, including 43.3% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.9%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in St Clair fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (27.5%). Educational participation is high at 29.6%, with 10.9% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

St Clair has 102 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 32 different routes that together facilitate 1,440 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents on average living 205 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (91%). On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 29.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 205 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 14 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, illustrating the 100 nearest stops to St Clair's central location.

St Clair's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

St Clair's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks following AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~10,696 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.0 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 70.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,378 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in St Clair was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

St Clair's population, born overseas, stood at 28.3%, significantly higher than most local markets. At home, 25.6% spoke a language other than English. Christianity was the predominant religion in St Clair, with 63.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (23.2%) and English (20.4%) were top, outpacing regional averages of 17.8% and 15.9% respectively. Notably, Maltese (3.2%), Samoan (1.8%), and Filipino (4.2%) groups were more represented in St Clair than regionally (1.0%, 0.5%, and 2.0% respectively).

St Clair's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

St Clair's median age is nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, St Clair has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (10.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.6% to 14.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.8% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.5%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 14.3% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests St Clair's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 56%, adding 553 residents to reach 1,542. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 94% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.