St Marys (NSW)

Population growth drivers in St Marys are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for St Marys (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 14,991. This represents an increase of 1,735 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,256. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 14,424 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,539 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. St Marys (NSW) (SA2) has experienced significant growth since the 2021 Census, with a 13.1% increase compared to the SA3 area's 6.3%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. By 2041, the St Marys (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is projected to have an above median population growth, expanding by 3,446 persons over the 17 years, reflecting a total increase of 19.2%.

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

St Marys has recorded approximately 124 residential properties granted approval per year, with an estimated 622 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and a further 30 approved in FY-26. On average, this translates to around 1.6 new residents per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent figures indicate an acceleration to 4.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, implying increasing demand and tightening supply. The average construction value of development projects in St Marys is $346,000.

Additionally, $59.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered in FY-26 alone, demonstrating significant local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, St Marys has 94.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering buyers greater choice despite recent moderation in development activity. New development consists of 29.0% detached houses and 71.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current pattern of 51.0% houses. This skew towards compact living provides affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 185 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, St Marys is projected to grow by 2,883 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting that new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Looking ahead, St Marys is expected to grow by 2,883 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

St Marys 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 31 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include St Marys Station Upgrade and Metro Integration, Luddenham Metro Station and Sydney Science Park, Western Sydney Aerotropolis Infrastructure and Development, and M12 Motorway. 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 drivers in St Marys are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

St Marys has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 7.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 6,742 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 3.3% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lags at 54.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. St Marys shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.4%, while employment declined by 1.3%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. As at 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Marys' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30th, 2023, St Marys had a median income among taxpayers of $54,753 and an average income of $59,271. Both 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 June 30th, 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,604, with average income estimated at $64,522. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data from 2021, household incomes in St Marys rank between the 31st and 39th percentiles nationally, with family incomes ranking similarly. Personal incomes also fall within this range. Distribution data shows that 35.4% of locals (5,306 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, which is slightly higher than the regional average of 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in St Marys, with only 78.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

St Marys' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 51.3% houses and 48.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Marys was at 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.4% and rented ones at 54.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,847, lower than Sydney metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in St Marys was $365, compared to Sydney metro's $390. Nationally, St Marys' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

St Marys features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.9% of all households, including 27.6% couples with children, 17.8% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

St Marys shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate, at 20.7%, is significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (25.1%). Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.1% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

St Marys has 115 active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 46 individual routes operating in total, providing 8,233 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 161 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency averages 1,176 trips across all routes, equating to about 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in St Marys are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in St Marys compared to national averages. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher among older cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~7,556 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.4 and 8.3% of residents respectively. However, 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 69.7%. St Marys has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,978 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

St Marys was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

St Marys has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.9% of its population born overseas and 34.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in St Marys is Christianity, accounting for 58.7% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 5.8% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 3.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (19.8%), Other (19.3%), and English (18.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Filipino at 5.2% (compared to 4.5% regionally), Samoan at 2.6% (vs 2.1%), and Maori at 1.5% (vs 1.3%).

St Marys hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

St Mary's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, St Mary's has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 years (7.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 years (4.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 years has increased from 11.8% to 13.1%, while the population aged 25-34 years has decreased from 17.0% to 16.2%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for St Mary's. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 76%, adding 478 residents to reach a total of 1,108. In contrast, the 35-44 age group is projected to grow by only 2%, with an increase of 39 people.