Sylvania

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

The suburb of Sylvania's population was estimated at around 10,812 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 63 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,749. The estimated resident population (ERP) from AreaSearch, based on ABS data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, was 10,817. This results in a population density ratio of 3,217 persons per square kilometer, placing Sylvania in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Sylvania is expected to grow by 894 persons, reflecting an 8.0% increase 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Sylvania has recorded around 69 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 349 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline over this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, indicating positive conditions for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $698,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, there have been $35.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Sylvania has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 18.0% detached dwellings and 82.0% medium and high-density housing, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 60.0% houses). This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

Sylvania has a population density of around 207 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sylvania is expected to grow by 864 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Sylvania has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Florida Street Affordable Housing, 117-131 Taren Point Road Specialised Retail Development, Frank Vickery Village Renewal, and Southgate Shopping Centre Expansion. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Sylvania has been broadly consistent with national averages

Sylvania has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 5,334 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 54.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is notably concentrated, at 1.3 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services are under-represented, at 9.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force rose by 3.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sylvania's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, according to a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Sylvania's median taxpayer income was $54,478 with an average of $86,505 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is notably higher than Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,348 (median) and $97,413 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Sylvania at the 60th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, consistent with regional trends at 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 30.8%, have incomes above $3,000 per week. 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

In Sylvania, as per the latest Census evaluation, 59.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 40.1% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure, which was 52.4% houses and 47.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sylvania stood at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 34.9% and rented dwellings 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 in Sylvania was $530, compared to Sydney metro's $500. Nationally, Sylvania's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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 make up the remaining 25.4%, consisting of lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 stands at 27.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (19.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (21.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education. Sylvania's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,405 students as of the latest data. The area exhibits typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1045) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis shows 44 active transport stops in Sylvania, served by buses via 20 routes. These routes facilitate 1,053 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 151 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Daily service frequency averages 150 trips across all routes, equating to about 23 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. Approximately 61% of Sylvania's total population (6,601 people) have private health cover, compared to 65.7% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.2% and 6.1% of residents respectively.

However, 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Sydney. Sylvania has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.2% (2,832 people), compared to 21.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Sylvania was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sylvania's population shows high cultural diversity, with 25.6% born overseas and 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sylvania at 68.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 61.2%. 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 in Sylvania exceed 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, notably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is also above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Sylvania has a notable over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (10.7% locally), while the 25-34 age group is under-represented (8.7%). Since the Census of 25 March 2021, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.6% to 11.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, the population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Sylvania. The 85+ age group is projected to grow substantially, increasing by 478 people (85%) from 562 to 1,041. This aging population trend is evident in the projection that those aged 65 and above will comprise 85% of the total growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.