Unanderra

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated for the suburb of Unanderra, its estimated population stands at approximately 5,554 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 78 individuals (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,476 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 5,438 in June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 854 persons per square kilometer, roughly aligning with averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population growth.

AreaSearch employs 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 using a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 3 persons by 2041, reflecting a reduction of approximately 2.0% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data indicates Unanderra averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 77 homes. So far in FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The population decline has led to adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $502,000, targeting the premium market segment. This financial year saw $5.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting Unanderra's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Unanderra shows reduced construction activity (56.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. New building activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. The new housing mix consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a departure from existing patterns (78.0% houses). This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With an estimated 608 people per dwelling approval, Unanderra has a quiet development environment.

Population projections indicating stability or decline should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Unanderra 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 nine projects that may affect the region. Notable ones are 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 most likely to be 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. Its unemployment rate was 8.6% as of December 2025. Employment stability over the past year was relative, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,226 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Unanderra lagged significantly at 53.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, a moderate 22.4% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Unanderra showed strong specialization in health care & social assistance, employing 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. During the year to December 2025, employment levels remained stable at 0.0%, while labour force increased by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Unanderra. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated local employment growth at 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Unanderra's employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Unanderra had a median income among taxpayers of $41,738. The average income stood at $52,514. This is below the national average. Comparatively, Regional NSW had levels of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,436 (median) and $57,167 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Unanderra all fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.1% of the community (1,616 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 while 21.8% consisted of other dwelling types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Unanderra stood at 28.9%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 26.6% and rented dwellings making up the remaining 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Unanderra was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Unanderra was recorded at $285, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Unanderra's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 Regional NSW average.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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+, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (30.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.8% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 are served by 51 unique routes, collectively facilitating 2,073 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential with most commuters travelling outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 92%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 296 trips daily 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions impacting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,652 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.3% and 10.6% of residents respectively. However, 57.9% claimed to have no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,371 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly similar to those of the general 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 has a cultural diversity level above average, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 16.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Unanderra, making up 57.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.2%), English (25.8%), and Other (7.4%).

Notably, Croatian (1.6%) is overrepresented in Unanderra compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Serbian (1.2%) exceeds its regional counterpart of 0.2%, and Macedonian (2.0%) also surpasses the regional figure of 0.4%.

Unanderra's median age exceeds the national pattern

Unanderra's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The percentage of residents aged 85 and above is 5.0%, higher than the regional average. However, the cohort aged 55 to 64 makes up only 9.8% of Unanderra's population, which is lower compared to Regional NSW. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 35 to 44 has grown from 11.3% to 13.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.5% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 9.8%. By 2041, Unanderra's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 11%, adding 77 residents to reach a total of 811. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 52% of the population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, populations in the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decline.