Sylvania Waters

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sylvania Waters is around 3,231, reflecting a 1.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,200 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,226 in Jun 2024 and nine validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 3,048 persons per square kilometer, placing Sylvania Waters in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods. For demographic projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia aggregations for covered SA2 areas (base year 2022) and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for uncovered areas (base year 2021).

Based on these projections, the suburb is expected to increase by around 190 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 6.0% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Sylvania Waters is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates that Sylvania Waters has seen approximately 11 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 58 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Despite a falling population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Sylvania Waters is $698,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $5.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Sylvania Waters records roughly half the building activity per person and places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, implying limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 80.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Sylvania Waters reflects a highly mature market with around 589 people per dwelling approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 194 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 Waters has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include 117-131 Taren Point Road Specialised Retail Development, Florida Street Affordable Housing, Southgate Shopping Centre Expansion, and Frank Vickery Village Renewal. The following list details those 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.

The labour market in Sylvania Waters shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Sylvania Waters has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of September 2025, 1,712 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was 63.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 35.7% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 8.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 1.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sylvania Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Sylvania Waters had a median taxpayer income of $59,666 and an average income of $94,743 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are notably high compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,952 (median) and $103,137 (average). Census data shows that household incomes rank at the 86th percentile with a weekly income of $2,371. The largest earnings segment in Sylvania Waters is 29.7% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, which aligns with the surrounding region's 30.9%. The suburb demonstrates considerable affluence with 38.9% of residents earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Sylvania Waters is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Sylvania Waters, as per the latest Census, 80.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 19.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas, where 55.9% of dwellings are houses and 44.1% are other types. Home ownership in Sylvania Waters stood at 43.9%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 40.5% and rented ones at 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Weekly rent in Sylvania Waters was $600, higher than the Sydney metro figure of $470. Nationally, Sylvania Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Sylvania Waters features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.0% of all households, including 44.4% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.5% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational qualifications in Sylvania Waters trail regional benchmarks, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (21.4%). Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 23 active transport stops operating within Sylvania Waters, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 7 individual routes, collectively offering 372 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature, with car being the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 35.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Sylvania Waters shows excellent health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 64%, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and asthma (4.5%). 75.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Sylvania Waters has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Senior health outcomes are strong and align with national rankings.

Sylvania Waters 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 Waters has a high level of cultural diversity, with 32.7% of its population born overseas and 38.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sylvania Waters, making up 68.3% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are English (17.5%), Australian (15.8%), and Other (12.1%).

Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 11.1%, compared to 1.9% regionally; Macedonian at 3.2%, compared to 0.4%; and Russian at 1.0%, compared to 0.4%.

Sylvania Waters hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Sylvania Waters is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 years make up 14.1% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.0% to 14.9%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 11.8% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sylvania Waters' age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 80 individuals (75%) from 106 to 187. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 25-34 and 0-4 are expected to decline.