Strathfield (NSW)

Strathfield has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, Strathfield's population is estimated at around 27,900. This reflects an increase of 1,985 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,915. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 27,656, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of an additional 91 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,259 persons per square kilometer, placing Strathfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded its SA4 region's growth rate of 6.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for Strathfield, with the area expected to expand by 5,305 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Strathfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis shows Strathfield had approximately 67 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 335 homes. By FY26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 1.5 new residents per year. However, this figure increased to 11.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and potential undersupply. The average construction value of new homes is $1,287,000, indicating a focus on premium segment properties.

Commercial approvals in FY26 amounted to $770,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Strathfield has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 40th percentile nationally, suggesting constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. New building activity comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Strathfield's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. Despite this, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes.

Strathfield has around 411 people per approval, indicating a mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts an increase of 5,061 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Strathfield 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 identified 59 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program, Burwood Culture House, Strathfield Council Parks Upgrades under Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, and Strathfield Town Centre Masterplan. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 labour market in Strathfield shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Strathfield has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate in Strathfield is 2.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 16,525 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Strathfield is broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that a high 37.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Strathfield shows particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employs just 6.1% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Analysis of SALM and ABS data for the 12-month period ending December 2025 shows a decrease in labour force by 2.3% and employment by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force expansion of 2.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Strathfield. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Strathfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates median income in Strathfield suburb is $46,558 and average income is $76,835. This compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates suggest median income is approximately $50,683 and average income is around $83,643. According to the 2021 Census, Strathfield's household incomes rank at the 81st percentile with weekly earnings of $2,262, while personal incomes rank at the 52nd percentile. Income distribution shows 29.7% of residents (8,286 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Higher earners make up a significant portion with 36.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income but strong earnings place disposable income at the 79th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Strathfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Strathfield, as per the latest Census, consisted of 45.5% houses and 54.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathfield was at 30%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.5% and rented dwellings at 45.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,765, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Strathfield was $480, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Strathfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Strathfield features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.6% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.4%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 11.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Strathfield shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Strathfield's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 49.5% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. The area's strong educational advantage is evident in its high proportion of bachelor degree holders (32.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 21.2%, with advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 8.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in tertiary education, 6.0% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing primary education.

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

Strathfield has 247 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 75 routes, facilitating 14,212 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 117 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 47%, followed by trains at 37% and buses at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.1% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 2,030 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Strathfield's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows notable results for Strathfield, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 57% of the total population (~15,981 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney. The most common conditions were arthritis (4.7%) and diabetes (4.1%). 81.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. As of 2021, 15.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,296 people). Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings similar to the general population.

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

Strathfield has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 68.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 62.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Strathfield, comprising 40.7% of its population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, making up 22.2%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (25.5%), Chinese (19.7%), and English (7.4%). Notably, Korean (7.0%) and Lebanese (5.6%) groups are overrepresented in Strathfield compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Sri Lankan ancestry is also notably higher at 1.0%.

Strathfield hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Strathfield's median age is 31 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Strathfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have reduced the median age by 1 year to 31 years. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 22.6% to 26.5%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 9.9% to 8.2% and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 10.5% to 9.2%. By 2041, Strathfield's population is projected to see significant demographic shifts. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to increase by 62%, from 1,478 people to 2,394 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is projected to grow by a modest 4% (41 people).