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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sutherland (NSW) is around 12,227. This reflects a growth of 657 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,570. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,139 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and an additional 281 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,424 persons per square kilometer, placing Sutherland in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.1%) and the 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 adopts 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 are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for the suburb, with an expected increase of 1,558 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.0% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Sutherland among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Sutherland granted around 68 residential properties approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 343 homes were approved, with a further 52 so far in FY-26. On average, 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $467,000, which is moderately above regional levels and suggests an emphasis on quality construction. This year, $42.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting 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 development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Sutherland reflects a low density area, with around 218 people per approval. Future projections show Sutherland adding 1,470 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include President Private Hospital Redevelopment, Workway Trade Centre, Sutherland Public School Hall Upgrade, and Adelong Sutherland. The following list details projects expected to have the greatest relevance.

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

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Employment performance in Sutherland has been broadly consistent with national averages

Sutherland has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.2% in December 2025, matching Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation was high at 74.7%.

According to Census data, 45.9% of residents worked from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specialises in public administration & safety, with employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services had lower representation at 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.5% and labour force by 0.6%, raising unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sutherland's mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch reports that Sutherland suburb had a median taxpayer income of $66,467 and an average income of $82,393 in the financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. As of March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $73,326 and an average income of $90,896, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Sutherland's individual earnings rank at the 86th percentile nationally ($1,109 weekly). Income analysis shows that 37.8% of Sutherland's population (4,621 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. 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 comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sutherland was 22.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented ones at 43.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Sutherland's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 constitute 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 2.7.

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 most prevalent at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.3%, while certificates make up 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 that facilitate 6,293 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 172 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 76%, followed by trains at 15% and walking at 4%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 45.9%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high for common health conditions across all age groups but particularly so among older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which numbers 7,268 people. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 9.3% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.7%. Conversely, 68.7% of residents declare 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 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 2,115 people, which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to 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 had 26.2% born overseas, with 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home, indicating higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sutherland, accounting for 53.5%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (25.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (10.2%).

Notably, Russian ancestry was overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.4%, as were Spanish (0.7%) and Macedonian (0.5%) ancestries.

Sutherland's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sutherland has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and remaining close to Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 is strongly represented at 20.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. However, the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.4% to 6.5% of Sutherland's population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has decreased from 6.3% to 5.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sutherland's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 58%, adding 461 people and reaching a total of 1,256 from the current figure of 794. This growth reflects an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of projected population growth. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.