Tempe

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

As of November 2025, Tempe's population is estimated at around 3,563 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,550 people. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, which estimated a resident population of 3,572 for Tempe and its surrounding areas. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,925 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tempe has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is expected for Tempe, with a projected increase of 605 persons to reach approximately 4,168 people by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Tempe shows approximately one residential property granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling seven homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 28.9 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings is $772,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $839,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Sydney, where Tempe shows substantially reduced construction (90.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent construction activity has intensified. However, this activity remains lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Tempe has been comprised of townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 68.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 1496 people per dwelling approval, Tempe reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Tempe is expected to grow by 822 residents through to 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Tempe 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 has identified 17 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Rail Service Improvement Program - T8 Airport & South Line Upgrades (part of MTMS Stage 2), M6 Stage 1 (St Peters to Kogarah), Marrickville Station Metro Upgrade, and Camdenville Park Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Tempe shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Tempe has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. Residents' employment dominance lies in professional & technical, education & training, and health care & social assistance sectors. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.6% compared to the regional 14.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Tempe's employment levels increased by 1.3%, labour force by 0.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6%, labour force expand by 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tempe's employment mix suggests local growth should be around 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year 2022, shows Tempe's median income among taxpayers is $61,881, with an average of $75,028. This is higher 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 Tempe would be approximately $69,684 (median) and $84,489 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tempe rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 89th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.9% fall into this bracket. Notably, 41.7% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity and robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Tempe displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Tempe's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.6% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 29.2% houses and 70.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tempe was at 30.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (43.0%) or rented (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tempe was $3,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,800. The median weekly rent in Tempe was $600, compared to Sydney metro's $495. Nationally, Tempe's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Tempe features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.2% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for 25.8%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 7.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Tempe exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 42.3%, lower than the SA4 region average of 55.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 14.5%. Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.3% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

Tempe Public School and Tempe High School serve a total of 1,358 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1087) and functions as an education hub with 38.1 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 16.3.

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

Tempe's public transport system consists of 12 operational stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 2,641 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents on average residing just 170 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages at 377 trips per day, translating to approximately 220 weekly trips per individual stop.

Tempe's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Tempe with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~2,015 people), compared to 64.8% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.8 and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.3% across Greater Sydney. As of 5th March 2022, the area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (516 people), which is higher than the 13.0% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Tempe's population includes 34.9% born overseas and 30.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 37.2%. Judaism makes up 0.5%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Other (12.4%). Notably, Macedonian (3.7%) and Vietnamese (3.4%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 3.3%, respectively. French representation is equal at 0.8%.

Tempe's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Tempe is 39, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 35-44 cohort makes up 19.2% of Tempe's population, while the 25-34 cohort is at 12.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 17.4% to 19.2%, and the 25-34 cohort declined from 14.7% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Tempe. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 222 people and reaching 746 from 523. The 0-4 age group will grow by 7%, with an increase of 14 residents.