Westleigh

Westleigh 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 Feb 2026, Westleigh's population is estimated at around 4,635. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,501 people. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, is 4,561 residents. Westleigh's population density is approximately 1,213 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the census, Westleigh has grown by 3.0%, positioning it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.8%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections for Westleigh are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia aggregations 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. By 2041, Westleigh is expected to increase by 242 persons, reflecting a gain of 3.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Westleigh according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Westleigh averaging around 3 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals approximately 16 homes approved over the past five financial years, with an additional 1 approval in FY-26. Each year, about 9.5 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed during this period.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings is $751,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, Westleigh has seen $2.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westleigh has significantly less development activity, at 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties can strengthen demand and prices for existing ones.

Nationally, this is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Westleigh's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 3100 people per dwelling approval, Westleigh reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Westleigh adding 168 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace despite growing competition as population increases.

Westleigh has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Thornleigh Marketplace Redevelopment, Westleigh Park, The Sanctuary Thornleigh, and New Line Road Upgrade. Details about these projects can be found below.

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

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The employment landscape in Westleigh shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Westleigh has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of December 2025, 2,410 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was lower at 67.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census data showed that 59.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment levels in education & training were 1.6 times the regional average.

However, transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence with only 2.6% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the resident population versus working population count. In the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while the labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment and labour force growth of 2.2% and 2.3% respectively, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Westleigh's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Westleigh has an exceptionally high income level nationally, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Westleigh is $63,782, and the average income stands at $95,942. These figures compare to those of Greater Sydney, which are $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Westleigh would be approximately $69,433 (median) and $104,442 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household incomes in Westleigh rank exceptionally high at the 97th percentile ($3,021 weekly). The earnings profile shows that the $4,000+ bracket dominates with 34.4% of residents (1,594 people), differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Notably, a significant 50.0% of Westleigh's residents earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating pockets of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Westleigh, as per the latest Census, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westleigh was at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.1% and rented ones at 7.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Westleigh was $705, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Westleigh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Westleigh features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 85.5% of all households, including 51.1% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 13.3% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Westleigh demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Westleigh's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 49.7% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (30.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 24.9%, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 13.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 6.5% in tertiary education.

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

Westleigh has 33 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 15 different routes, offering a total of 384 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered excellent, with residents' average proximity to the nearest stop being 144 meters. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 84% of residents, while trains account for 9%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 59.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 54 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Westleigh's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Westleigh's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's evaluation. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (3,001 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.9 and 6.6% of residents respectively. 72.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Westleigh has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.0% (1,019 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

Westleigh was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Westleigh's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Westleigh, making up 56.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.9%), Australian (22.0%), and Chinese (8.8%). Notably, Polish (1.1% vs regional 0.6%), South Australian (1.1% vs 0.5%), and Korean (1.3% vs 1.1%) groups were also overrepresented in Westleigh.

Westleigh hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Westleigh is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westleigh has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.4% to 15.6%, while the population aged 25-34 declined from 5.0% to 4.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Westleigh's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 660 people from 542. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 96% of total population growth, reflecting Westleigh's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 45-54 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.