Sydenham (Vic.)

Sydenham 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 population of Sydenham (Vic.) was estimated at 10,841 as of November 2025, based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation. This reflects a growth of 263 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,578. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 10,822 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), along with additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,045 persons per square kilometer, placing Sydenham in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 2.5% since census is within 0.1 percentage points of its SA3 area (2.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,135 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 10.1% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Sydenham, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Sydenham has recorded around 41 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 206 homes. So far in FY-26, one approval has been recorded. The area's population decline suggests new supply is keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, with new homes being built at an average construction cost value of $520,000. This year, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sydenham has slightly more development, 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 65.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 346 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sydenham is expected to grow by 1,092 residents through to 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Sydenham has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Shared User Paths Upgrade - Taylors Lakes/Sydenham/Hillside, 9 Pecks Road Townhouse Development, and The Marketplace at Watergardens. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Sydenham has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sydenham's workforce is skilled and diverse. Its unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of June 2025, 6,210 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.4%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 64.1%. Leading industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing, with the latter showing a notable concentration at 2.1 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services had lower representation at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area's predominantly residential nature suggests limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.5% and unemployment increased by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sydenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Sydenham's median income among taxpayers was $52,235 in the financial year ending June 2022. The average income stood at $61,518 during this period. For Greater Melbourne, these figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Sydenham's median income would be approximately $58,587 and the average around $68,999, factoring in a 12.16% increase since June 2022 as per the Wage Price Index. According to Census data from 2021, Sydenham's household income ranked at the 53rd percentile ($1,813 weekly), and personal income at the 33rd percentile. In terms of income distribution, 37.6% of Sydenham's population (4,076 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range in 2021, which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represented 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.2% of income remained for other expenses in Sydenham. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile as of 2021.

Sydenham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Sydenham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.7% houses and 35.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sydenham was at 29.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.1%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,680, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Sydenham's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Sydenham features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 39.3% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 19.9% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

The educational profile of Sydenham exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates of 26.6%, significantly lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 19.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education. Sydenham's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,446 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1036) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub, offering 22.6 school places per 100 residents - significantly above the regional average of 14.2 - attracting students from nearby communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 31 active stops in Sydenham offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 9 routes, carrying out 4689 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 240 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 669 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 151 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sydenham's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Sydenham's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~5,549 people), which lags behind Greater Melbourne's 48.1%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Sydenham, impacting 7.6% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 71.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,777 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Sydenham present some challenges that require more attention than the broader population.

Sydenham is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sydenham's cultural diversity is notable, with 44.3% of its population born overseas and 48.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sydenham, comprising 57.1% of the population. However, there is an overrepresentation in the 'Other' religious category, which makes up 5.5% of Sydenham's population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (18.6%), Australian (14.3%), and English (12.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Maltese at 5.1% (vs regional 4.6%), Croatian at 2.9% (vs 2.2%), and Macedonian at 3.0% (vs 2.5%).

Sydenham's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sydenham's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 12.8% of Sydenham's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.2%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 7.2% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, Sydenham's demographic projections indicate significant shifts in its age structure. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 51%, adding 482 people and reaching a total of 1,437 from the previous count of 954. This growth is primarily driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above contributing to 78% of the projected population increase. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.