Telopea

Population growth drivers in Telopea are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of 1 November 2025, the estimated population of Telopea is around 5,145, reflecting a decrease of 211 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 5,356. This decrease is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,114, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,524 persons per square kilometer, placing Telopea in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections forecast significant population growth in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation, including Telopea, which is expected to grow by 1,511 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 37.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Telopea according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Telopea shows around 32 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 162 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of zero people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties is $639,000, higher than regional levels. In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a primarily residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Telopea has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 63rd percentile nationally. New development consists of 32% standalone homes and 68% medium to high-density housing.

Population forecasts indicate Telopea will gain 1,935 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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. Key projects include the 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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Employment performance in Telopea has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Telopea has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, there were 3,012 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which was 0.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Telopea lagged significantly at 54.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. However, professional & technical employs only 9.5% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities in Telopea appear limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.6%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Telopea. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Telopea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Telopea's median income among taxpayers was $45,479, with an average of $62,536. This is lower than the national average and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Telopea would be approximately $51,214 (median) and $70,422 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Telopea rank modestly, between the 28th and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.1% of residents fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket (1,548 people), consistent with surrounding regions at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Telopea, with only 76.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Telopea's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 34.9% houses and 65.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 57.3% houses and 42.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Telopea was at 21.4%, with mortgaged dwellings 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 $2,600. The median weekly rent figure was $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 account for 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 make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.0%. 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 university qualification rate is 40.0% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, 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: 10.1% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 6.6% in tertiary education. Telopea Public School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 128 students as of a recent date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area has limited local school capacity (2.5 places per 100 residents vs 13.6 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 25 active stops operating in Telopea. These include lightrail and bus services. Twelve routes serve these stops, offering a total of 2,049 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 232 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency is 292 trips across all routes, equating to around 81 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 superior health outcomes, with both young and elderly cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions. Its private health cover rate is approximately 52% (~2658 people), slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 53.7%.

Mental health issues affect 7.3%, while arthritis impacts 6.1% of residents. 73.4% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 77.3%. The area has 17.4% (895 people) aged 65 and above, 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 one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 54.1% of its residents born overseas and 61.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Telopea, accounting for 47.6% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 5.6% of Telopea's population compared to 4.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (25.1%), Other (14.2%), and English (13.2%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Koreans comprise 8.7% of Telopea's population compared to 6.5% regionally, Russians make up 0.7% versus 0.3%, and Lebanese represent 2.8% compared to 3.8%.

Telopea's median age exceeds the national pattern

Telopea has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Telopea at 12.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.4% to 10.5% of the population, and the 65-74 cohort has risen from 9.1% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Telopea's age profile will significantly change, with the 45-54 age group projected to expand by 292 people (42%), growing from 694 to 987.