Strathfield (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch as of May 2026, the suburb of Strathfield's population is estimated at around 27,872. This reflects an increase of 1,957 people (7.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,915 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 27,868, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,255 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95.0% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 4,580 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.4% in total over the 16 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 of ABS building approval numbers shows Strathfield had approximately 67 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 335 homes. By FY26, 47 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated around 1.3 new residents per year. However, this figure increased to 11.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. The average construction value of new homes was $1,287,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

Commercial approvals in FY26 totalled $770,000, reflecting Strathfield's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Strathfield has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 40th percentile of areas assessed. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity comprised 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% attached dwellings, sustaining Strathfield's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Strathfield indicates a mature market with around 412 people per approval. Population forecasts estimate Strathfield will gain 4,576 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 58 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program, Burwood Culture House, Strathfield Council Parks Upgrades under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, and the Strathfield Town Centre Masterplan. The following list details those projects most likely to be 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 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 as of December 2025 was 2.6%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 16,503 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 1.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 37.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

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 vs resident population. In a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3% and employment decreased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not taking into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows 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. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $51,363 (median) and $84,764 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 81st percentile ($2,262 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 52nd percentile. Income distribution shows 29.7% of Strathfield's population earns between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with surrounding regions at 30.9%. Higher earners make up a substantial 36.7%, indicating strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but disposable income ranks 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 metropolitan's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathfield was at 30.0%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.5% and rented ones at 45.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Strathfield was $2,765, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Strathfield was $480, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Strathfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,765 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $480.

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

Family households account for 68.6% of all households, including couples with children (32.0%), couples without children (26.0%), and single parent families (7.4%). Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.4%, composed of lone person households at 19.8% and group households at 11.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than national averages. Specifically, 49.5% of Strathfield's residents hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and New South Wales' 32.2%. The area has a strong educational advantage with bachelor degrees being the most common at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational pathways account for 21.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 8.2%.

Educational participation is high in Strathfield, 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, providing 14,212 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents located an average of 117 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 47%, followed by train at 37% and bus 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, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 2,030 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location 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 assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population (~15,965 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (4.7%) and diabetes (4.1%). A majority, 81.1%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Greater Sydney average of 74.6%. Strathfield has 15.0% residents aged 65 and over (4,180 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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, comprising 40.7% of Strathfield's population. However, Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, making up 22.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 25.5%, higher than the regional average of 16.0%. Chinese ancestry comprises 19.7%, above the regional average of 8.4%, while English ancestry is notably lower at 7.4%, compared to the regional average of 19.0%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Korean (7.0% vs regional 1.1%), Lebanese (5.6% vs regional 2.6%), and Sri Lankan (1.0% vs regional 0.3%).

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

Strathfield's median age at 31 years is notably 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 (27.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.6%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted Strathfield's median age down by 1.4 years to 31. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has grown from 22.6% to 27.9%, while the proportions of those aged 45-54 and 55-64 have declined from 9.9% to 7.9% and from 10.5% to 9.0%, respectively. Population forecasts for Strathfield in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to increase markedly by 60% (from 1,393 to 2,230 people), and the 0-4 age cohort growing modestly by 4% (by 32 people).