Sylvania

An assessment of population growth drivers in Sylvania reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Sylvania statistical area (Lv2) is around 10,824 people. This figure reflects an increase of 75 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,749. The current resident population stands at 10,810, as estimated by AreaSearch following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,221 persons per square kilometer, placing the Sylvania (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth in the area has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the Sylvania (SA2) is expected to experience population growth just below the median of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 894 persons, reflecting a gain of 7.9% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Sylvania recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows that Sylvania has recorded around 63 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 317 homes were approved, with a further 27 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a falling population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $698,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $67.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity compared to Greater Sydney. Nationally, Sylvania places among the 71st percentile of areas assessed for new development, having 15.0% less new development per person than the Greater Sydney average. New development consists of 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% medium and high-density housing, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 60.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Sylvania has around 184 people per approval, indicating a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sylvania is expected to grow by 852 residents through to 2041. 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.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Florida Street Affordable Housing, 117-131 Taren Point Road Specialised Retail Development, Southgate Shopping Centre Expansion, and Frank Vickery Village Renewal. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Sylvania exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Sylvania has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, showing a growth of 1.4%.

As of September 2025, 5,333 residents are employed at a rate 1.2% below Greater Sydney's 4.2%, with workforce participation at 54.9%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is notably concentrated, being 1.3 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 9.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 1.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and a rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but sector-specific projections for Sylvania suggest a local growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Sylvania has a median taxpayer income of $54,478 and an average income of $86,505 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is notably higher than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,305 (median) and $94,169 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Sylvania are at the 60th percentile nationally. The income analysis shows that 28.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with regional levels at 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 30.8%, have incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Sylvania displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Sylvania, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.8% houses and 40.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 52.4% houses and 47.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sylvania was at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,730, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,774. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $530, compared to Sydney metro's $500. Nationally, Sylvania's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Sylvania has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 27.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (21.6%). Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sylvania has 50 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 distinct routes that together facilitate 1,087 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated highly, with residents being an average of 151 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 155 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sylvania is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Sylvania faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (6,609 people), compared to 68.0% across Greater Sydney. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.2 and 6.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Sydney. As of the latest data (2021), Sylvania has 26.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,835 people), which is higher than the 21.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Sylvania was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sylvania has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.6% of its population born overseas and 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sylvania, comprising 68.1% of people, compared to 61.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (20.5%), and Other (9.6%).

Notably, Greek (8.0%) and Macedonian (1.8%) populations are higher in Sylvania than the regional averages of 3.2% and 0.7%, respectively.

Sylvania hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Sylvania is 46 years, which is notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 75-84 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Sylvania at 10.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the population of those aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.6% to 11.8%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 12.5% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Sylvania, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow significantly by 478 people (an increase of 85%) from 562 to 1,041. The aging population trend is clear, as those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 85% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.