Unanderra

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Unanderra statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,555 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,476 people, a rise of 79 individuals or approximately 1.4%. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 5,438 in June 2024 and the validation of 102 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of about 854 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by these data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a 2021 base are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for all areas between 2032 and 2041. According to these projections, the Unanderra (SA2) population is expected to decrease by 2 persons by 2041. However, certain age groups are projected to grow, notably the 25-34 cohort which is anticipated to increase by 113 people over this period.

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 over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional six approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average value of new homes being built is $502,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This 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, with 57.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Construction activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant departure from current housing patterns of 78.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Unanderra is 644 people.

With stable or declining population projections, the area should see reduced 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 could affect this 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 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's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 8.5% as of September 2021.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 2,209 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is 0.9 percentage points higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Unanderra lags at 46.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, and employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment decline, a 0.1% labour force contraction, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Unanderra had a median taxpayer income of $41,738 and an average income of $52,514. This is lower than the national average of $52,390 and Rest of NSW's $65,215. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $45,436 (median) and $57,167 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Unanderra's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. In Unanderra, 29.1% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the broader area at 29.9%. Housing affordability is 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

Unanderra's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.3% houses and 21.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Unanderra was at 28.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.6% and rented ones at 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $285, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $365. Nationally, Unanderra's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $285 compared to the national figure of $375.

Unanderra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 them, 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. These include train and bus services. There are 51 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide a combined 2,073 passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 155 meters. Across all routes, there are an average of 296 trips per day. This equates 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 48%, covering about 2,653 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 52%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.3% and 10.6% respectively. However, 57.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 63.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 24.6% (1,366 people), than Rest of NSW's 19%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 had a cultural diversity index 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, comprising 57.0% of the population, 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 in Unanderra compared to the regional average of 0.8%, as were Serbian (1.2% vs 0.8%) and Macedonian (2.0% vs 3.8%).

Unanderra's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Unanderra's median age is similar to the Rest of NSW average of 43, while considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 85 and over are particularly prominent at 5.1%, while the 55-64 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.8% than in the Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.3% to 12.6% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Unanderra. The 25 to 34 age group shows the strongest projected growth at 13%, adding 96 residents to reach 819. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.