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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Sydenham's population is estimated at around 10,843 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 265 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,578 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,823 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,045 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected in Sydenham (Vic.) (SA2), with an expected increase of 1,135 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 shows Sydenham had approximately 41 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 206 homes. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, with new supply likely meeting demand and offering good choice to buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $520,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, $5.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting Sydenham's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sydenham has slightly more development, approximately 29.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 24.0% detached dwellings and 76.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 65.0% houses). This trend likely responds to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Sydenham has around 346 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sydenham is expected to grow by approximately 1,090 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

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

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

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Employment conditions in Sydenham remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Sydenham's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%.

As of September 2025, 6,113 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Sydenham specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 5.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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 simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Sydenham had a median income among taxpayers of $52,235 and an average income of $61,518. This is lower than the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,544 (median) and $66,593 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows Sydenham's household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,813 weekly), while personal income sits at the 33rd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 37.6% of locals (4,076 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains for other expenses. Sydenham's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Sydenham, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 64.7% houses and 35.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sydenham was 29.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.1% and rented ones at 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,680, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Sydenham 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 at 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's university qualification rate is 26.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (19.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 5.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sydenham has 31 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 10 different routes, offering a total of 3,329 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 239 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 475 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 107 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. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of Sydenham's total population (~5,550 people) has private health cover, compared to 48.5% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in Sydenham are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.6% and 6.6% of residents respectively. 71.8% of Sydenham residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. Sydenham has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,778 people), which is lower than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, 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, accounting for 57.1% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 5.5% of Sydenham's population, higher than the 2.3% average across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (18.6%), Australian (14.3%), and English (12.8%). Some ethnic groups show significant representation: Maltese at 5.1%, Croatian at 2.9%, and Macedonian at 3.0%.

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 median age of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 12.8% of Sydenham's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.1%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has risen from 7.2% to 8.8%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, projections indicate significant changes in Sydenham's age structure. The 65 to 74 group is expected to grow by 51%, adding 482 people and reaching a total of 1,437 from the current 954. The population aged 65 and above is projected to account for 78% of Sydenham's demographic growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.