Telopea

Population growth drivers in Telopea are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Telopea statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,918. This figure reflects a growth of 562 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,356. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 5,478 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, and an additional 31 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,053 persons per square kilometer, placing Telopea (SA2) within the top 10% nationally. The area's growth rate of 10.5% since the Census exceeded both state and metropolitan averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch projects future population trends using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is forecasted to grow by 1,517 persons, reflecting a total gain of 19.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Telopea has seen around 35 new homes approved each year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 177 homes were approved, with an additional 37 approved so far in FY26. Over these five financial years, there was an average of 0 people moving to the area per dwelling built.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is $639,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $1.5 million have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Telopea has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 74th percentile nationally.

New development consists of 31.0% standalone homes and 69.0% medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With approximately 165 people per dwelling approval, Telopea exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Telopea is forecasted to gain 1,168 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Major ones include: 25 Station Street Childcare Facility, 47-71 Stewart Street Development, Telopea Renewal Project, and 18-22 Sophie Street Telopea. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Telopea has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Telopea has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 3,022 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Telopea lags behind Greater Sydney at 54.2% compared to 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, the proportion of local workers employed in professional & technical services is lower than Greater Sydney's rate at 9.5% versus 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, while the labour force grew by 3.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force increase by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Telopea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Telopea's median income among taxpayers was $45,479, with an average of $62,536. Nationally, the median income was higher at $68,182 and the average was $99,588. In Greater Sydney, the median was $60,817 and the average was $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Telopea would be approximately $49,508 (median) and $68,077 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census showed household incomes in Telopea ranked at the 28th percentile, family incomes at the 30th percentile, and personal incomes at the 33rd percentile. Income analysis revealed that 30.1% of residents (1,781 people) earned between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with surrounding regions where 30.9% fell into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 76.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Telopea, 34.9% of dwellings were houses while 65.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 57.3% houses and 42.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Telopea stood at 21.4%, with mortgaged properties at 30.7% and rented ones at 47.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,600. Median weekly rent in Telopea was recorded at $370 compared to Sydney metro's $460. Nationally, Telopea's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were lower at $375.

Telopea features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.9% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

Telopea shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 40.0% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW rate of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 15.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Telopea shows 31 active transport stops operating, including lightrail and buses. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, providing a total of 2,995 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 427 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Telopea is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Telopea shows better-than-average health results, with both younger and older age groups having low rates of common health conditions. Approximately 52% (~3,058 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 55.0%.

Mental health issues affect 7.3% of residents, followed by arthritis at 6.1%, while 73.4% report no medical ailments. This compares to 77.3% across Greater Sydney. The area has 17.6% (1,041 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors' health outcomes aligning closely with the general population's profile.

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

Telopea has a population where 54.1% were born overseas, and 61.4% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Telopea, with 47.6% of people identifying as such. Buddhism makes up 5.6%, compared to the regional average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (25.1%), Other (14.2%), and English (13.2%). Korean is overrepresented at 8.7% versus the regional rate of 6.5%. Russian makes up 0.7%, higher than the regional average of 0.3%. Lebanese representation is lower in Telopea at 2.8%, compared to the regional figure of 3.8%.

Telopea's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Telopea's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Telopea at 12.7%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 12.4%. Between 2021 and now, the 65-74 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.3%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 9.4% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Telopea's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 229 people (79%), from 289 to 519. Conversely, the 35-44 group is expected to decrease by 3 residents.