Unanderra

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

The population of Unanderra, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS ERP data and validated addresses, was 5,077 as of November 2025. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census population of 5,476, a change inferred from an estimated resident population of 5,052 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 781 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Unanderra during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Unanderra are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, using a 2021 base year.

According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to grow by 4 persons to reach 5,081 by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 7.8% over the 17-year period. This projected growth aligns with anticipated lower quartile growth trends for national regional areas.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Unanderra averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 58 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $502,000.

This financial year, $41.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Unanderra shows significantly reduced construction activity (67.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a departure from existing housing patterns (currently 78.0% houses). The estimated population per dwelling approval is 910 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Unanderra will gain 394 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Population forecasts indicate Unanderra will gain 394 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Unanderra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable ones 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 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 2,204 residents employed as of June 2025. The unemployment rate was 7.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%.

The area's unemployment rate is 4.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags at 46.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force increased by 0.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Unanderra. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against the local 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 2022, Unanderra had a median income among taxpayers of $41,738. The average income stood at $52,514. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $49,459 in Rest of NSW for median incomes and $62,998 for average incomes respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $47,001 (median) and $59,136 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Unanderra fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Family incomes also fall within this range, as do personal incomes. Distribution data shows that 29.1% of individuals in Unanderra earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with a total of 1,477 individuals in this earnings band. This is consistent with broader trends across the region, where 29.9% of individuals fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Unanderra, 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, 78.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Unanderra stood at 28.9%, with mortgaged properties at 26.6% and rented ones at 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Unanderra averaged $285, compared to $365 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Unanderra's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $285 versus the national figure of $375.

Unanderra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average 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 comprise the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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 prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 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.

Six schools operate within Unanderra, educating approximately 1,250 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1044) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has four primary and two K-12 schools, functioning as an education hub with 24.6 school places per 100 residents - significantly higher than the regional average of 12.9.

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

Unanderra has 72 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 50 routes serving these stops, offering a total of 1,856 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residences to the nearest stop is 155 meters. Across all routes, there are an average of 265 trips per day, which equates to approximately 25 weekly trips per 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 2,424 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 51.4% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.3% and 10.6% of residents respectively.

Around 57.9% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 63.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.7%, with around 1,254 people falling into this category, compared to Rest of NSW's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

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

Unanderra had 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 was the predominant religion in Unanderra, making up 57.0% of people, compared to 58.1% 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 0.8%, as were Serbian (1.2%) and Macedonian (2.0%).

Unanderra hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Unanderra's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 85+ make up 5.1% of the population, a higher proportion than in Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 55-64 age group comprises only 9.9%, which is smaller compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.6% of the population, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for Unanderra indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 24%, adding 160 residents to reach a total of 815. In contrast, population declines are predicted for the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups.