Villawood

Villawood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Villawood's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 7,696 people. This figure reflects an increase of 645 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,051 people. AreaSearch estimates this population based on the resident population of 7,689, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,958 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Villawood's population growth of 9.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (6.7%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is expected for Villawood. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to expand by 1,229 persons, reflecting a total increase of 10.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Villawood when compared nationally

Villawood has seen approximately 54 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling an estimated 271 homes. As of FY-26107 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.5 people move to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth.

The average construction value of new homes is $345,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $9.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Recent construction comprises 51% standalone homes and 49% medium to high-density housing, expanding the range of medium-density options.

This shift from the area's existing 73% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles. Villawood has approximately 132 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Villawood is expected to grow by 815 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by modifications to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that are expected to influence this particular area. Notable projects include Villawood Town Centre Redevelopment (Kinara Place), Chester Square Redevelopment, Condell Park High School Upgrade, and Chester Hill Station Upgrade, with the following list highlighting those likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Villawood face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Villawood has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 17.7% as of an unspecified date.

Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable. As of June 2025, 2,089 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 13.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Villawood lags significantly at 31.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Manufacturing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The ratio of workers to residents indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force increased by 2.5%, while employment declined by 0.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.6% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in September 2022, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Villawood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

Villawood had a median income among taxpayers of $34,663 and an average level of $43,204 in financial year 2022. These figures are below the national average. In Greater Sydney, the median was $56,994 and the average was $80,856. By September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $39,034 and an average of $48,652, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Villawood fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $400 - $799 income bracket dominates with 26.6% of residents (2,047 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. A significant portion of residents, 43.9%, earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Villawood, with only 74.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Villawood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Villawood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.1% houses and 26.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Sydney metropolitan area had no recorded houses or other dwellings in its structure. Home ownership in Villawood stood at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented ones at 60.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Sydney's average, while the median weekly rent was $210, unlike Sydney's figures of $0 for both metrics. Nationally, Villawood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Villawood has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 3.0 people

Family households account for 68.9% of all households, including 34.3% that are couples with children, 12.8% that are couples without children, and 20.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3 people.

Educational outcomes in Villawood fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Villawood's university qualification rate is 20.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (14.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation is high at 40.6%, comprising primary education (13.5%), secondary education (11.7%), and tertiary education (6.6%).

Villawood has three schools with a combined enrollment of 768 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) and offering balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

Villawood has 91 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of train and bus routes, totaling 21 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 2,421 weekly passenger trips.

The transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 345 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Villawood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Villawood residents show relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, albeit higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 44% (~3,395 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.9%) and arthritis (6.6%), with 73.6% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Sydney. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 12.3% (946 people), requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Villawood has a population where 53.9% were born overseas, with 72.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Islam is the predominant religion in Villawood, accounting for 39.5%. This is higher compared to None% across Greater Sydney.

The top ancestry groups are Other (25.7%), Lebanese (16.5%), and Vietnamese (14.7%). Notably, Samoan representation stands at 0.8%, Chinese at 9.3%, and Spanish at 0.5%.

Villawood hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Villawood's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Villawood has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (13.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 15.0% to 16.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Villawood. The 15-24 age group is projected to grow by 12%, adding 156 residents and reaching a total of 1,457. In contrast, the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decline in population.