St Clair (Penrith - NSW)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for St Clair (Penrith - NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 20,602. This figure reflects a growth of 660 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,942. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 20,377 as per AreaSearch's examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with validation of 31 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,861 persons per square kilometer, placing St Clair (Penrith - NSW) in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for this area.

Population projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for non-covered areas. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the population is expected to decline by 171 persons in St Clair (Penrith - NSW) by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is projected to increase by 729 people over this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for St Clair shows around 46 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 234 homes. In the current financial year, up to June 2026, 41 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $312,000. There have also been $2.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Sydney. St Clair records markedly lower building activity than the regional average per person (51.0% below). This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Compared nationally, St Clair's new building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 98.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 478 people per dwelling approval, St Clair shows a developed market. Given population is expected to remain stable or decline, St Clair should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include the Erskine Park Employment Area Expansion, M12 Motorway, Mamre Road Upgrade - 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.

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.

The employment environment in St Clair shows above-average strength when compared nationally

St Clair has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.8%.

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, 11,012 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.4% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 62.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. St Clair shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.3% of St Clair's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by a lower count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.9%, while employment declined by 3.5%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.1% and unemployment rose slightly. As of 25-November-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Clair's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of St Clair had a lower than average national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $56,872 and the average income stood at $63,145. This compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. 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). Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes in St Clair clustered around the 64th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that 38.6% of the population, equating to 7,952 individuals, fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This reflected broader area patterns where 30.9% similarly occupied this range. High housing costs consumed 16.0% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, comprised 98.5% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Clair was at 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.1% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, compared to Sydney metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, against Sydney metro's $390. Nationally, St Clair's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 constitute 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 2.8.

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, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.9% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 4.0% in 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 104 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 32 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,440 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 205 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 205 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Clair's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

St Clair's health data shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence rates for common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, certain cohorts such as older residents and those at risk have higher prevalence rates. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of St Clair's total population (~10,696 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.0%) and arthritis (7.4%), with 70.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments compared to Greater Sydney's 69.7%. St Clair has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.5% (3,193 people) than Greater Sydney's 14.3%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention, overall the area's health profile presents fewer challenges compared to broader population averages.

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 showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.3% born overseas and 25.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in St Clair, at 63.6%, compared to 60.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (23.2%), English (20.4%), and Other (13.8%).

Notably, Maltese representation was higher at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 2.6%. Samoan representation stood at 1.8%, slightly lower than the regional figure of 2.1%. Filipino representation was 4.2%, close to the regional average of 4.5%.

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

St Clair's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, St Clair has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.6% to 14.3%, while those aged 75-84 have grown from 2.8% to 4.3%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 has declined from 13.6% to 11.6%, and the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in St Clair's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 71%, adding 627 residents to reach a total of 1,513. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 91% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.