Unanderra

Unanderra has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Unanderra is estimated at around 5,554 people. This reflects an increase of 78 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,476 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 5,438 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 854 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population. According to this methodology, the suburb's population is expected to shrink by 6 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 116 people.

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

Unanderra recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 75 homes were approved in the area over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional six approved so far in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, but development activity has been adequate relative to its population changes.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $502,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Unanderra shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 57.0% fewer new dwellings per person than the regional average. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, development activity in Unanderra is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% attached dwellings, a significant departure from the current housing pattern of 78.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The estimated population density in Unanderra is 644 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population projections, Unanderra should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Stockland Forest Reach - Huntley, Unanderra Liquid Waste Treatment Facility, Western Suburbs Preschool Kitchen Upgrade, and 19-21 Tannery Street Residential Flat Building. 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 conditions in Unanderra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Unanderra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.4%. This rate has remained relatively stable over the past year.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Unanderra's unemployment rate is 4.6% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Unanderra lags behind the rest of NSW at 53.6%, compared to 61.5%. According to Census responses, a moderate 22.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Unanderra shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.2%, compared to 5.3% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents is 0.7, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2% alongside a 0.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Unanderra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Unanderra suburb had median income among taxpayers at $41,738 and average level at $52,514. These figures are lower than national averages, which stood at $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Unanderra is approximately $45,436 and average income is $57,167 as of that date. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Unanderra fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates 29.1% (1,616 individuals) have income within $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to broader area at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Unanderra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Unanderra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Unanderra stood at 28.9%, with mortgaged properties at 26.6% and rented dwellings at 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Unanderra was $285, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Unanderra's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below the national figure of $375.

Unanderra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Educational attainment in Unanderra aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 30.1%. Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Unanderra has 76 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 51 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,073 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 155 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 296 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Unanderra is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Unanderra faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,652 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 11.3% and 10.6% of residents respectively. However, 57.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,360 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with the overall population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Unanderra was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Unanderra's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 22.0% born overseas and 16.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Unanderra, comprising 57.0%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.2%), English (25.8%), and Other (7.4%).

Notably, Croatian (1.6%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Serbian (1.2%) exceeded the regional average of 0.2%, and Macedonian (2.0%) also surpassed its regional average of 0.4%.

Unanderra's median age exceeds the national pattern

Unanderra's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The percentage of the population aged 85 and above in Unanderra is 4.9%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. The 55-64 age group makes up 9.7% of Unanderra's population, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure. According to data from the 2021 Census, the percentage of the population aged 35-44 has increased from 11.3% to 13.0%. Conversely, the percentage of the population aged 55-64 has decreased from 11.1% to 9.7%. By 2041, Unanderra's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 12%, adding 86 residents and reaching a total of 814. However, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups.