Sutherland (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Sutherland are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sutherland (NSW) is around 12,305. This figure reflects an increase of 735 people from the 2021 Census total of 11,570, representing a growth rate of 6.4%. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 12,097 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 282 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,446 persons per square kilometer, placing Sutherland in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.1%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. The suburb's population is projected to increase by 1,807 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 13.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Sutherland recorded around 68 residential properties granted approval annually. An estimated 344 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 44 approved so far in FY-26. On average, three new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This indicates that supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new dwellings was $467,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $42.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Sutherland has 88.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

Recent construction comprised 14.0% detached houses and 86.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a skew towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Sutherland reflects a low density area, with around 218 people per approval. Looking ahead, Sutherland is expected to grow by 1,688 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Sutherland 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 20 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include President Private Hospital Redevelopment, Workway Trade Centre, Sutherland Public School Hall Upgrade, and Adelong Sutherland. The following list details those most 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.

Employment performance in Sutherland has been broadly consistent with national averages

Sutherland has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, showing a 1.7% employment growth based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 7,561 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is high at 75.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 45.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but has lower representation in accommodation & food services at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 5.8%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.5%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sutherland's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Sutherland suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $66,467 and an average income of $82,393. These figures are among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $72,356 (median) and $89,693 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, individual earnings in Sutherland stood at the 86th percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,109. Income analysis shows that 37.8% of the population, equating to 4,651 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is slightly higher than the broader area's 30.9%. Housing costs consume 18.7% of income in Sutherland, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Sutherland's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.3% houses and 80.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sutherland was at 22.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented ones at 43.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Sutherland's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 61.4% of all households, consisting of 23.2% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 36.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area at 30.5%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, held by 24.1% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 22.6%. Educational participation is notably high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 5.3% in tertiary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Sutherland has 44 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 53 routes, collectively facilitating 6,293 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 76%, followed by train at 15% and walking at 4%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 45.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 899 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 143 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Sutherland is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Sutherland faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across the board but to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which amounts to 7,315 people. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 7.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 2,190 people, higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Sutherland was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sutherland's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sutherland, accounting for 53.5%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (10.2%).

Notably, Russian (1.1%) was overrepresented in Sutherland compared to regional averages (0.4%), as were Spanish (0.7% vs 0.6%) and Macedonian (0.5% vs 0.4%).

Sutherland's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sutherland's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 19.0% of Sutherland's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.4% to 6.8% of Sutherland's population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 20.2% to 19.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Sutherland's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 62%, reaching 1,352 people from the current 836. Those aged 65 and above are expected to account for 64% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.