Sutherland (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Sutherland (NSW) has an estimated population of around 12,305. This reflects an increase of 735 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,570 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,097, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 282 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,446 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sutherland's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Sutherland (NSW), expected to increase by 1,815 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sutherland has annually granted around 68 residential property approvals. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 343 homes were approved, with another 46 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about three people move to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating steady demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $467,000, which is moderately above regional levels and suggests quality construction emphasis. This financial year has seen $42.4 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Sutherland records 86.0% more development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although recent periods have shown moderation in development activity. Recent construction comprises 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a skew towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Sutherland reflects a low-density area with around 220 people per approval. Future projections estimate Sutherland to add 1,607 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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 impacting the area. Notable ones are President Private Hospital Redevelopment, Workway Trade Centre, Sutherland Public School Hall Upgrade, and Adelong Sutherland. The following 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 representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of December 2025, with estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. In December 2025, 7,548 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Sydney's at 4.2%.

Workforce participation was higher than Greater Sydney's average, at 75.7% compared to 70.2%. According to Census responses, 45.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area had a higher share of public administration & safety jobs, at 1.5 times the regional level, but lower accommodation & food representation at 4.5% versus the regional average of 5.8%.

While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months prior to December 2025, employment increased by 0.7% and labour force by 0.8%, keeping unemployment broadly flat, unlike Greater Sydney's marginal rise in unemployment despite higher employment and labour force growth rates of 2.2% and 2.3%. 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 could grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Sutherland had a median income among taxpayers of $66,467 and an average level of $82,393. These figures are among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Sydney's levels of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $72,356 for median income and $89,693 for average income as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, individual earnings in Sutherland stood at the 86th percentile nationally with a weekly figure of $1,109. Income analysis reveals that 37.8% of the population, comprising 4,651 individuals, fall within the income range of $1,500 to $2,999 per week, mirroring the broader area where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.7% of income in Sutherland, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area'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

In Sutherland, as per the latest Census, 19.3% were houses while 80.7% were other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sutherland stood at 22.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.7%) or rented (43.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent median 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, including 23.2% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 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+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.1%, 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 comprise 12.3% and certificates account for 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, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 53 individual routes, offering 6,293 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 172 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 76%, with train usage at 15% and walking at 4%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 899 trips per day, equating to approximately 143 weekly trips per individual 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 high, particularly among older age cohorts. Mental health issues affect 9.3% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.7%. Approximately 59% of the total population (7,315 people) have private health cover. In comparison, 68.7% of Sutherland residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,214 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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 is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sutherland, comprising 53.5%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are English (25.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (10.2%).

Notably, Russian (1.1%) and Spanish (0.7%) populations are higher than regional averages of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively, while Macedonian is slightly overrepresented at 0.5%.

Sutherland's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sutherland has a median age of 37, which matches Greater Sydney's figure and is comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 19.1% of Sutherland's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. However, the 15-24 cohort makes up only 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.4% to 6.9%, while the 25-34 group has decreased from 20.2% to 19.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sutherland's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 60% (505 people), reaching 1,355 from 849. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 65% of the population growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.