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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Telopea is $1.94m, with units at $800k. House values have moved 3.5% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Telopea has an estimated 5,284 residents, down from 5,356 at the 2021 Census — a change of 72 people, or 1.3%. The population has thinned by an average 1.0% a year over five years, slower than 96% of areas nationally. That puts 3,619 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Telopea's population is estimated at around 5,284 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 72 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,356 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,270, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,619 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 1,485 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 27.8% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
147 new dwellings have been approved in Telopea over the past five years, an average of 29 a year. That is 5.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 26 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 31% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 24, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis by AreaSearch of ABS building approvals across the local region shows that Telopea averages about 29 residential approvals annually. Over the preceding 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), 147 new homes received approval, with an additional 22 approved during the current FY-26 period. Even with recent population declines, this volume of construction represents a reasonable balance of supply, which is advantageous for buyers, and the average projected build cost of $639,000 indicates that developers are prioritizing high-end, premium housing projects. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $1.5 million this financial year, reinforcing the area's predominantly residential character.
Telopea registers approximately half the rate of per capita construction activity compared to Greater Sydney, ranking in the 52nd percentile of areas monitored across Australia. The incoming residential supply is composed of 31.0% standalone houses and 69.0% medium- to high-density dwellings. This emphasis on denser housing configurations creates accessible entry points and appeals to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. Additionally, with roughly 311 residents per approved dwelling, the local setting displays characteristics typically associated with low-density regions. Demographic projections indicate that Telopea will add 1,471 citizens by 2041 according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Should construction rates persist at their present levels, the supply of housing may fail to match population expansion, which could intensify competition among purchasers and underpin stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Telopea
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Telopea, worth an estimated $1.9 billion. A further 132 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $93.3 billion. 36 are already under construction and 59 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Developments in public works, major projects, and town planning initiatives can have a significant effect on local residential performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects that are likely to influence the immediate area. Key projects include the 25 Station Street Childcare Facility, the 47-71 Stewart Street Development, the Telopea Renewal Project, and 18-22 Sophie Street Telopea, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Telopea Renewal Project
A major urban renewal of the 13.4-hectare Telopea estate focused on creating an integrated community with a mix of modern housing and green spaces. Following the 2024 transition to sole leadership by Homes NSW, the project is accelerating delivery of social and affordable housing. Key components include the completed refurbishment of the Wade Street Towers (Three Sisters) and the progressing Polding Place development, which features 423 new homes and a 6000 sqm community plaza adjacent to the Parramatta Light Rail.
47-71 Stewart Street Development
Residential development project in Dundas Valley. Part of the new off-the-plan developments responding to growth demand in the area near light rail infrastructure.
20-22 Evans Road Telopea
Residential development in Telopea's core precinct area, aligned with master plan vision for mixed-use development near light rail station and retail precinct.
18-22 Sophie Street Telopea
Residential apartment development as part of broader Telopea urban renewal. Located in transition area near light rail corridor with planned medium-density housing.
Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School Upgrade
A major 230 million dollar redevelopment delivering 56 new permanent classrooms at Carlingford West Public School and 77 new or upgraded classrooms at Cumberland High School. The project replaces over 130 demountables with modern facilities including new libraries, multipurpose halls, canteens, and specialist workshops. As of April 2026, many new buildings are complete and occupied, with remaining landscaping and internal refurbishments on track for total project finalization in mid-2026.
The Carling by Meriton
A major mixed-use precinct featuring seven luxury residential towers reaching up to 29 storeys, providing 629 apartments. The development includes a retail plaza with a national supermarket, cafes, and restaurants, as well as an onsite childcare centre. A significant feature is the $20 million, three-storey Carlingford Community Centre and Library (3,000 sqm) delivered in partnership with the City of Parramatta. Residents have access to a 4,700 sqm Central Park and resort-style facilities including a pool, spa, sauna, gym, and rooftop BBQ areas.
New Social Housing - Sophie Street
21-unit social housing building approved by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel in Nov 2022 and part of the broader Telopea renewal. The scheme provides 7 x 1-bed and 14 x 2-bed apartments over basement parking, with communal open space and landscaping. Works have been flagged to support decanting and renewal across the precinct, alongside a sister project at 20-22A Evans Road.
Thallon Street Towers (9-11 & 11-17 Shirley Street)
Two 12-storey towers delivering 178 apartments combined, with ground-floor retail, food and beverage precincts, childcare centre and communal recreational facilities.
2,798 residents of Telopea are employed, from a labour force of 2,946. Unemployment sits at 5.0%, with participation at 67.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,115, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Telopea possesses a highly qualified workforce, with a notable concentration in professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and an annual job growth rate estimated at 1.4% according to aggregated regional statistics from AreaSearch. By March 2026, there were 2,798 employed residents. The local unemployment level sits 0.9% higher than the Greater Sydney benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is highly aligned with the metropolitan average of 69.1%. Census records show that a substantial 45.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions. The primary employment fields for local residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade.
However, the professional & technical sector employs only 9.5% of workers locally, which is below the Greater Sydney average of 11.5%. Comparing the size of the local working population to the resident population indicates that this mostly residential district offers few local job opportunities. Based on AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics for the wider region, the year leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 1.4% and the workforce grow by 1.3%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 1.9%, the labour force increase by 1.9%, and unemployment edge downwards. National employment projections from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context for potential local demand in Telopea. These five- and ten-year projections have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate future growth. Although the nationwide workforce is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely by industry. Applying these sectoral forecasts directly to the local employment structure suggests that employment in Telopea could rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted extrapolation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Telopea is $1,465 a week (about $76,000 a year), with median personal income at $699 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,479 a year against an average of $62,536. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in Telopea earn a median income of $45,479 and an average of $62,536. This is below the national average and compares to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $50,172 for the median and $68,990 for the average by March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal earnings in Telopea are modest, ranking in the 28th to 33rd percentiles.
The most common weekly income band is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 30.1% of residents (1,590 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 30.9% of households fall into this category. Financial pressure from housing is significant, with only 76.8% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 23rd percentile, while the SEIFA income index ranks the locality in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Telopea had 2,069 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 35% detached houses and 34% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 48% rented and 21% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $370 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,300 a month, a total housing cost higher than 79% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 25.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 36.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing types in Telopea at the time of the latest Census consisted of 34.9% detached houses and 65.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, compared to the wider Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Telopea lagged behind the Sydney metropolitan average, standing at 21.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (30.7%) or tenants renting (47.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Sydney metropolitan average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent was $370, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,427 and $470.
On a national level, mortgage commitments in Telopea are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas typical rents are below the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Telopea counted 2,069 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 20% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families represent the majority of local households at 65.9%, which includes 32.6% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 12.0% single parents. The remaining 34.1% of households are non-family arrangements, with single-person households representing 31.0% and shared houses making up 3.0%. The typical household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.0% of adults in Telopea hold a university qualification, including 25.3% with a bachelor degree and 12.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 15.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 128 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 962 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The educational profile of the local community is distinct within the region, as university completion rates stand at 40.0% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than the Australian average of 30.4% and the state average for NSW of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate study at 12.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Practical and vocational qualifications are also common, with 26.1% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 15.3%. Enrolment rates in education are substantial, with 30.7% of the local population currently engaged in study.
This group includes 10.1% attending primary schools, 6.9% in secondary schools, and 6.6% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Telopea reaches 31 stops on 13 routes, timetabled for about 3,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.0 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local network shows 31 active public transit stops in Telopea, comprising a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 distinct routes, providing a total of 2,995 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 225 meters from their nearest stop. As the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel for 81% of commuters, while 10% travel by train and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.0 per household, which is below the regional average.
A high proportion of residents, 45.3%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data which was likely affected by pandemic conditions. Services run at an average frequency of 427 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 96 weekly services for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
73.4% of residents in Telopea report no long-term health condition. 6.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Telopea displays positive health indicators based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness, with both younger and older cohorts showing low rates of typical medical conditions. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 52% of the local population (~2,730 people), which is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9%. The most prevalent health conditions recorded locally were mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 7.3 and 6.1% of the community, respectively. A total of 73.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney.
Health outcomes for residents under the age of 65 are better than the national average. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (929 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health levels among the elderly population are strong, with national indicators matching the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
54.1% of Telopea residents were born overseas and 61.4% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 95% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Chinese (25.1%) and English (13.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Telopea ranks among the most multicultural communities nationally, with 54.1% of residents born outside Australia and 61.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.6% of the population. The most pronounced religious divergence is in Buddhism, which represents 5.6% of the population, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney. Regarding family heritage, the primary ancestries reported are Chinese at 25.1%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 8.4%, Other at 14.2%, and English at 13.2%, which is lower than the regional average of 19.0%.
Other distinct demographic differences include Korean ancestry representing 8.7% of Telopea (vs 1.1% regionally), Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%), and Lebanese at 2.8% (vs 2.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Telopea is 40. 23.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The local median age is 40, which is higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and slightly higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to the wider Sydney metropolitan area, there is a higher concentration of residents in the 55 - 64 age bracket (12.5% locally) and a lower concentration of people aged 25 - 34 (12.9%). Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 13.6% to 12.5%. Long-term modeling suggests the age profile will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 bracket projected to expand by 219 people (85%) from 258 to 478.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Telopea
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 6 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 31 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,356 at the 2021 Census → 5,284 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL13797). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.