Summer Hill (Inner West - NSW)

Summer Hill is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Summer Hill (Inner West - NSW) is around 7,624. This figure reflects a growth of 336 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,288. AreaSearch validated this increase using latest ERP data from ABS released in June 2024 and additional 25 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6,353 persons per square kilometer, placing Summer Hill within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 4.6% since the census is competitive with its SA4 region at 6.4%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains recently.

AreaSearch projects future demographic trends using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 330 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow, with an increase of 143 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Summer Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Summer Hill has recorded approximately eight residential properties granted approval per year. Between the financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 41 homes were approved, with two more in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.7 new residents have been added per dwelling constructed annually over these five years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes is $974,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $43.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Summer Hill shows significantly reduced construction levels, at 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The location has approximately 1685 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market with stable or declining population projections, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Summer Hill 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 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Sydney Metro Sydenham to Bankstown Conversion, Sydenham to Bankstown Transport Oriented Development Program, NSW Health Infrastructure Program - Inner West, and 845-847 New Canterbury Road Development. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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 Summer Hill demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Summer Hill's workforce is highly educated, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in June 2025, slightly above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%. The area has a workforce participation rate of 71.7%, higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly concentrated, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 8.6%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force increased by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Summer Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, Summer Hill had a median income among taxpayers of $75,606 with the average level standing at $118,006. This places it in the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $85,140 (median) and $132,887 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Summer Hill, between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 34.1% of the population, which translates to 2,599 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 36.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 18.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Summer Hill features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Summer Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 19.6% houses and 80.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 33.5% houses and 66.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Summer Hill was at 21.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 50.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,708, higher than Sydney metro's $2,436. The median weekly rent figure was $460, similar to Sydney metro's $465. Nationally, Summer Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.3% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.7%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households making up 6.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Summer Hill demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Summer Hill is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 57.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 36.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 19.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 10.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education. Summer Hill's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,086 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates exceptional educational performance with an ICSEA score of 1157, placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. As of 2021, the area functions as an education hub with 40.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 operational stops in Summer Hill, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 distinct routes, facilitating 4,118 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents situated an average of 162 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 588 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 205 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Summer Hill is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Summer Hill shows better-than-average health results, with both younger and older age groups having low rates of common health conditions. Approximately 73% of Summer Hill's total population (5,595 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 57.3%, and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Summer Hill are mental health issues affecting 11.3% of residents and asthma impacting 7.9%.

70.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 77.0%. In Summer Hill, 12.3% of residents are aged 65 or over (937 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 14.5%. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's health profile in Summer Hill.

Summer Hill 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

Summer Hill's population, with 33.5%, is more diverse than most local markets in terms of overseas birth. 27.2% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 35.3%.

Judaism, at 0.5%, is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's 0.2%. Top ancestry groups include English (20.7%), Australian (16.8%), and Other (12.5%). Notably, Hungarian (0.6%) and Korean (1.5%) are overrepresented while Welsh (0.8%) shows a notable divergence from regional averages.

Summer Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Summer Hill's median age in 2021 was 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years. This is modestly below the Australian median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Summer Hill had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.6%). The 25-34 concentration was well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Summer Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 45%, adding 132 residents to reach 430. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 97% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.