Sydney

Population growth drivers in Sydney are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The Sydney statistical area's population is estimated at around 20,408 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,741 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,667 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,550 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 602 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,941 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sydney's growth of 22.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.6%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 94.0% 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. Demographic trends predict exceptional growth over this period, with the area expected to increase by 12,173 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 54.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Sydney recorded around 171 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 858 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, on average, 1.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure intensified to 8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

In FY-26, $89.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Relative to Greater Sydney, Sydney has 70.0% more construction activity per person. New construction has been comprised entirely of medium and high-density housing since FY-21. With around 152 people per dwelling approval, Sydney is classified as a growth area. By 2041, it is projected to gain 11,209 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

Sydney 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 125 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet), Harbourside Redevelopment by Mirvac, Central Place Sydney, and Barangaroo Precinct, with the following list detailing those likely to be 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 conditions in Sydney demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Sydney has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, Sydney has 12,406 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 65.8%, higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries among residents include accommodation & food, professional & technical, and finance & insurance. Notably, accommodation & food has employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented with only 6.5% of Sydney's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. With a ratio of 12.7 workers per resident as at the Census, Sydney functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1% alongside a 1.1% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat compared to Greater Sydney's growth in employment and labour force with a slight rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Sydney's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Sydney suburb is $44,608. Average income stands at $111,767. Greater Sydney has median and average incomes of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $48,560 and $121,670 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to 2021 Census figures, Sydney's household, family and personal incomes rank between the 75th and 79th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.2% earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,183 residents). Broader trends show 30.9% in this category across metropolitan region. High earners comprise 34.9%, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing costs consume 23.3% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 67th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 9th decile.

Sydney features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Sydney's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.1% houses and 99.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sydney was at 13.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 11.5% and rented ones at 74.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,691, below the Sydney metro average of $2,705. Median weekly rent was $600, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, Sydney's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Sydney features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 48.5% of all households, including 8.7% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 4.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 51.5%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 14.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 1.9.

Sydney shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Sydney is notable, with 56.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This exceeds national (30.4%) and NSW state averages (32.2%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 17.6% and certificates 7.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in tertiary education, 2.2% in primary education, and 1.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Sydney has 156 active public transport stops. These include ferries, trains, light rail, and buses. There are 143 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 88,499 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 131 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 12,642 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 567 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sydney's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Sydney's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of 14th June 2021, approximately 71% (14,479 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 68.5%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 3.7% and 3.6% of residents respectively. A total of 87.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 77.4%. As of the same date, 7.0% (1,428 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 9.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

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

Sydney has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 65.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 76.1% born overseas as of 2021 data. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sydney, accounting for 29.5%. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented at 23.6%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 7.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (29.7%), Chinese (25.7%), and English (11.7%). Notably, Korean (2.9%) and Spanish (0.9%) are overrepresented in Sydney compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 1.0%, respectively.

Sydney hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 32 years, Sydney's median age is materially younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Sydney has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 at 39.7%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 2.2%. This concentration of 25-34-year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.8% to 13.7% of Sydney's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 6.2% to 5.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Sydney's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow strongly at 36%, adding 2,942 residents to reach a total of 11,044.