Sutherland (NSW)

Population growth drivers in Sutherland are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Sutherland's population is estimated at around 12,356. This reflects an increase of 786 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,570. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 12,196 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional 282 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,461 persons per square kilometer, placing Sutherland in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sutherland's growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.6%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Sutherland, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. Future population trends project an above median growth for the suburb by 2041, with an expected expansion of 1,796 persons reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 17 years.

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 has recorded around 62 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 314 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3.3 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over these five years.

This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $467,000, which aligns with regional trends. In FY-26, Sutherland has recorded $35.6 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Sutherland has 71.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. In terms of dwelling types, 14.0% are standalone homes while 86.0% are attached dwellings, reflecting a focus on higher-density living which can provide more affordable entry points and suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Sutherland has approximately 222 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sutherland is expected to grow by 1,631 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Sutherland has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% 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 projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Sutherland maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Sutherland's workforce is highly educated with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of June 2025, matching Greater Sydney's rate.

Employment grew by an estimated 2.8% over the year ending June 2025. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. There is a notable specialization in public administration & safety, with employment share at 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 5.8%.

Many residents commute outside Sutherland for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 3.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.6% and labour force by 2.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sutherland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Sutherland had a median income among taxpayers of $66,467 during financial year 2022. The average level stood at $82,393 in the same period. This was one of the highest in Australia, compared to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $74,848 (median) and $92,783 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, individual earnings stood out at the 86th percentile nationally ($1,109 weekly). Income analysis revealed that 37.8% of the population (4,670 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the broader area where 30.9% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 18.7% of income, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 58th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, comprised 19.3% houses and 80.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 70.4% houses and 29.6% 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 was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,600. The median weekly rent in Sutherland was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $483. Nationally, Sutherland's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $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 percent of all households, including 23.2 percent couples with children, 26.1 percent couples without children, and 11.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6 percent, with lone person households at 34.8 percent and group households comprising 3.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

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. University qualification rates exceed the Australian average of 30.4%, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications. This rate surpasses that of the SA3 area (30.5%), indicating a community emphasis on higher education.

Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is 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. Sutherland's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,437 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1079. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Public transport analysis shows 36 active transport stops operating within Sutherland. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 43 individual routes, collectively providing 5,880 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 840 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 163 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Sutherland are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Sutherland's health indicators show below-average results.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical of the general population but higher than national averages among older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59%, covering about 7,345 people in total. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Around 68.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 70.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,100 people), which is lower than Greater Sydney's 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Sutherland 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

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% of its population, compared to 61.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (25.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (10.2%).

Notably, Russian (1.1%) was overrepresented in Sutherland compared to the regional average of 0.5%, as were Spanish (0.7% vs 0.4%) and Macedonian (0.5% vs 0.8%).

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 19.6% of Sutherland's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort makes up 9.2%, which is less prevalent compared to both Greater Sydney and Australia as a whole. From 2021 to present, Sutherland has seen an increase in its 75-84 age group from 5.4% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased slightly from 9.2% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sutherland's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 68%, adding 549 people and reaching a total of 1,353 from the current figure of 803. This growth reflects an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 66% of the projected population increase. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.