West Pennant Hills

West Pennant Hills is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of West Pennant Hills is around 16,613. This figure reflects a decrease of 7 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,620. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and an analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing a resident population of 16,534. This results in a population density ratio of 1,788 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in recent periods was overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Considering these projections, West Pennant Hills is expected to increase its population by 1,161 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 6.4%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within West Pennant Hills when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in West Pennant Hills shows an average of around 93 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 468 homes were approved, with a further 25 approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that the new supply is meeting demand and providing good choice for buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $705,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. This financial year, $50,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Recent construction comprises 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% medium and high-density housing, offering more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant shift from the area's existing housing composition of 91.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 82 people per dwelling approval, West Pennant Hills exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,064 residents through to 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

West Pennant Hills 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 identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Pennant Hills Road and North Rocks Road Intersection Upgrade, the development at 154-158 Castle Hill Road Cherrybrook, Highforest by Mirvac, and the West Pennant Hills Large Development Site spanning 88 hectares. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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Employment performance in West Pennant Hills ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

West Pennant Hills has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of June 2025, 9,489 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is 62.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical (1.3 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Accommodation & food services are under-represented at 3.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 5.8%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, with Census working population vs resident population indicating this trend. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force by 5.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Pennant Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

West Pennant Hills had a median taxpayer income of $60,398 and an average income of $98,116 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth, estimates for September 2025 suggest a median income of approximately $68,014 and an average income of around $110,488 in West Pennant Hills. Census data indicates that household incomes rank at the 97th percentile, with weekly earnings of $3,078. The dominant income bracket spans 38.1% of locals (6,329 people) earning over $4,000 per week, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 30.9%. The district exhibits significant affluence, with 51.2% of residents earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

In West Pennant Hills, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Sydney metropolitan areas which had no recorded houses or other dwellings at that time. Home ownership in West Pennant Hills stood at 45.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 42.4% and rented dwellings accounting for 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $641. Nationally, West Pennant Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

West Pennant Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.1 people

Family households account for 87.7% of all households, including 52.9% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.3%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households comprising 0.8%. The median household size is 3.1 people.

West Pennant Hills shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in West Pennant Hills is notably high, with 49.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest available data. This compares favourably to national figures of 30.4% and NSW state figures of 32.2%. University-level qualifications include bachelor degrees (31.3%), postgraduate qualifications (14.8%), and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.3%, comprising advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (11.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (9.9%), secondary (8.4%), and tertiary (7.3%) levels. Two primary schools serve the area: Hills Montessori School and West Pennant Hills Public School, educating a total of 515 students as of recent data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1130. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available in surrounding areas. As of the latest figures, there is a low ratio of 3.1 school places per 100 residents, suggesting many local students attend schools outside West Pennant Hills.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Pennant Hills shows that there are 147 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 108 individual routes providing service to the community. The collective passenger trips made weekly through these routes amount to 6,173.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 162 meters from their nearest transport stop. Across all routes, there are an average of 881 trips per day, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

West Pennant Hills's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout West Pennant Hills. Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups.

Approximately 66% of the total population (10,898 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 6.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 74.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Sydney. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,820 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

West Pennant Hills has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.5% of its population born overseas and 40.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in West Pennant Hills, comprising 53.2% of the population. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 5.9% of West Pennant Hills' population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.4%), Chinese (18.0%), and Australian (16.8%). Notably, Korean (2.0%), Sri Lankan (1.0%), and Lebanese (1.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

West Pennant Hills hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in West Pennant Hills is 43 years, considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, making up 13.2% of the population, while the 25-34 year-olds comprise only 6.9%. Since 2021, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.3% to 7.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.1% and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 8.1% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in West Pennant Hills's age structure. The number of people aged 85 years and above is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 719 individuals (188%) from 382 to 1,102. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 5-14 years and 0-4 years are expected to decline.