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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Surry Hills is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
The estimated population of the suburb of Surry Hills is around 17,184 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,356 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,828. The latest ABS data from June 2025 and additional validated new addresses indicate this growth. The population density is estimated at 13,018 persons per square kilometer, placing Surry Hills in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This high density reflects the suburb's popularity as a residential area. Between the 2021 Census and May 2026, Surry Hills' population growth rate exceeded both the state (7.1%) and Greater Sydney figures, demonstrating its status as a growth leader in the region.
Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during this period. AreaSearch uses 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 utilised. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an above median growth, with Surry Hills projected to increase by 2,263 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Surry Hills is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Surry Hills averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 40 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded to date. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.
Commercial activity is high, with $178.8 million in approvals registered this financial year. Compared to Greater Sydney, Surry Hills shows significantly reduced construction levels (92.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This level is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. By 2041, Surry Hills is projected to grow by approximately 2,263 residents.
If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Surry Hills
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Surry Hills has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 61 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones are Sydney Jewish Museum Redevelopment, Marlborough House Redevelopment, Central Place Sydney, and The Post House. The following details those deemed most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tech Central Innovation Precinct
Tech Central is Australia's largest innovation precinct, a six square kilometre district linking Haymarket, Ultimo, Surry Hills, Camperdown, Darlington, North Eveleigh and South Eveleigh. It includes technology companies, startups, research institutes, universities and venture capital networks. Current delivery includes the operational Tech Central Innovation Hub at 477 Pitt Street, the Atlassian Central tower under construction beside Central Station, and the approved Central Precinct rezoning enabling about 950 homes, 2400 jobs and 13500 square metres of open space.
Central Place Sydney
A $3 billion flagship commercial development serving as the centrepiece of Sydney Tech Central. The project comprises approximately 155,000sqm of commercial and retail space across two sustainable office towers (37 and 39 storeys) and a low-rise 8-storey building known as the Connector. Designed by SOM and Fender Katsalidis, the development features AI-powered closed cavity facades, 100% renewable energy operations, and extensive public realm improvements connecting to Central Station.
The Post House
A 45-storey mixed-use tower in the Tech Central precinct, also known as TOGA Central. The development integrates the heritage-listed former Parcels Post Office and delivers 29,228sqm of premium office space, a 204-key boutique hotel, and ground-floor/podium retail. Key features include a rooftop pool, day spa, gym, and the new public Henry Deane Plaza. The project targets a 6-star Green Star and 5.5-star NABERS Energy rating.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the ageing V-set and Oscar fleets across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect NSW consortium (UGL, Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Electric Australia), the trains feature wider 2x2 seating with arm rests, tray tables and cup holders, charging ports, dedicated luggage, pram and bicycle spaces, accessible toilets, dedicated wheelchair spaces, CCTV, digital information screens and Automatic Selective Door Operation. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8 or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024, on the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025, and on the South Coast Line on 14 April 2026. The South Coast Line rollout begins with seven 4 and 6-car sets, scaling to 16 trains by 2027 with 8-car sets later in 2026 and 10-car configurations in 2027. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility (operated by UGL on a 15-year contract) and extensive corridor upgrades including platform extensions, signalling modifications, balise installation and overhead wiring works.
Atlassian Central
Atlassian Central is a 39-storey, 183-metre tower under construction at 8-10 Lee Street, Haymarket, anchoring the NSW Government's Tech Central innovation precinct adjacent to Central Station. Designed by SHoP Architects and BVN, the building combines a steel exoskeleton with a hybrid mass timber and concrete structure, featuring seven four-storey internal timber 'habitats' built using more than 30,000 cubic metres of cross-laminated timber and glulam. Once complete, it will be the world's tallest commercial hybrid timber building. The tower offers 75,000 square metres of gross floor area (around 59,100 square metres net lettable) and is co-owned by Dexus and Atlassian. The lower five levels integrate a 137-room YHA hostel and the heritage-listed Parcel Shed, which is being adaptively re-used as the building lobby. Sustainability targets include a 50 percent reduction in embodied carbon, 100 percent renewable energy operation, a 5.5-star NABERS Energy commitment and a 6-star Green Star target, supported by an electricity-generating photovoltaic facade. Built and Obayashi Corporation joint venture (BOJV) commenced construction in August 2022. As of mid-2026 the tower has surpassed Milwaukee's Ascent to become the world's tallest hybrid timber tower, with Level 39 top-out scheduled for June 2026 and practical completion targeted for November 2026. Atlassian is expected to occupy five of the seven habitats from late 2028 following fit-out.
Oxford & Foley
Oxford & Foley is a heritage-led mixed-use redevelopment of three commercial blocks at 60, 90 and 120 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, delivered by AsheMorgan and TOGA Group on a 99-year leasehold from the City of Sydney. Designed by fjcstudio, the project restores three turn-of-the-century heritage buildings and adds new rooftop levels with city and harbour views, alongside a reactivated retail and dining laneway on Foley Street. The precinct provides about 9,200 square metres of commercial office space, 2,300 square metres of bespoke retail across some 30 tenancies, and 1,600 square metres for cultural and creative uses. Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing and The Orchard are anchor commercial tenants, alongside customer research firm Dovetail. Confirmed retail and hospitality operators include MAAP, Mapo gelato, Mecca Coffee, Theeca, Paulies Pizza, the Darlinghurst Bookshop and Alpha60. Construction commenced in 2022 with original builder Growthbuilt; following disputes and delays, TOGA took over construction in 2024 and the developers lodged a 91.7 million dollar claim against Growthbuilt in 2025. Staged handovers are underway, with the western Building 1 tenants taking possession from mid-2025, Building 2 in late 2025 and the eastern Building 3 stage rolling through into 2026.
Sydney Jewish Museum Redevelopment
Major expansion and redevelopment doubling the museum's footprint to include a new Centre for Contemporary Jewish Life and Tolerance alongside the existing Holocaust Museum. The project will create 11 new exhibition galleries and modern education facilities. The museum is currently closed to general public from January 2025 to late 2026, with construction underway. Expected to open early 2027 with capacity to welcome 100,000 visitors annually, nearly double current visitation. The expanded facility will feature state-of-the-art, tech-enabled galleries and educational spaces, new exhibitions celebrating Jewish history, culture and contributions to Australia, and enhanced Holocaust education programs responding to NSW's compulsory Holocaust studies curriculum from 2027.
Crown Street Upgrade
A $34 million upgrade of Crown Street between Oxford and Devonshire Streets, Surry Hills, including wider footpaths, underground utilities, new trees, bike lanes, and improved accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Employment
Employment conditions in Surry Hills remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis
Surry Hills has a highly educated workforce with a notable presence in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of December 2025. Employment stability in the area has remained relatively consistent over the past year.
As of December 2025, 11,329 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is 1.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was at 73.8%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 63.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The primary industries for employment in Surry Hills are professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance.
Notably, the area has a high specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share twice that of the regional level. Conversely, construction is underrepresented, with only 3.3% of Surry Hills' workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby regions, with a ratio of 2.0 workers per resident at the time of the Census. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Surry Hills' labour force decreased by 0.3%, accompanied by a similar decrease in employment, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Surry Hills' specific industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
The suburb of Surry Hills has one of the highest income levels nationally according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Surry Hills is $70,916 and the average income stands at $111,705, which compares to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $78,235 (median) and $123,233 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows that income levels in Surry Hills rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes between the 83rd and 97th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends at 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 39.6%, earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. High housing costs consume 21.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 75th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Surry Hills features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In Surry Hills, as per the latest Census, dwelling structures consisted of 1.1% houses and 98.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Surry Hills stood at 14.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.9% and rented dwellings at 67.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,839, significantly higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Surry Hills was $550, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Surry Hills' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Surry Hills features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 40.9% of all households, including 7.4% composed of couples with children, 29.3% consisting of couples without children, and 3.1% made up of single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 59.1%, with lone person households at 46.8% and group households comprising 12.2% of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Surry Hills shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Surry Hills has a notably higher educational attainment than broader national averages. Among its residents aged 15 and above, 62.8% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of education is predominantly composed of bachelor degrees (41.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.2%, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 8.3%.
The area also has a significant number of residents actively pursuing formal education, with 24.7% currently doing so. This includes 10.9% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 2.0% in secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis reveals 47 active transport stops operating within Surry Hills. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. They are serviced by 28 individual routes, collectively providing 23,681 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 114 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Walking is notably common at 31%, with 18% using trains.
Vehicle ownership averages 0.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 63.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 3,383 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 503 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Surry Hills's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Surry Hills. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (12,186 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues impacting 10.1% of residents and asthma affecting 7.0%. A total of 74.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,718 people), lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Surry Hills is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Surry Hills has a high level of cultural diversity, with 27.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Surry Hills, accounting for 28.0% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 1.3% of Surry Hills' population versus 0.8%.
The top three ancestry groups are English (22.8%), Other (15.1%), and Australian (14.7%). French (1.6%) Spanish (1.2%) and Russian (0.9%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.4% respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Surry Hills's population is younger than the national pattern
Surry Hills'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, Surry Hills has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 32.9%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 2.9%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.4% to 11.2%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 12.7% to 11.3%. By 2041, Surry Hills's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 34%, adding 668 residents to reach a total of 2,610. Conversely, the 0-4 age cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 2 people.