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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Westleigh is around 4,635. This figure reflects an increase of 134 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,501. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,561 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,213 persons per square kilometer. Westleigh's growth rate of 3.0% since the census is within 2.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 5.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 239 persons to reach a total population of 4,874 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 6.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Westleigh averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 15 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. With an average of 10.1 people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $751,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $2.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Westleigh's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westleigh records markedly lower building activity, at 76.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining Westleigh's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 3101 people per approval, Westleigh shows a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Westleigh is expected to grow by 284 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region. Notable projects comprise Thornleigh Marketplace Redevelopment, Westleigh Park, The Sanctuary Thornleigh, and New Line Road Upgrade. Details on these projects follow.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Westleigh recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Westleigh's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate, as of September 2025, was 5.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. At that time, 2,406 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Westleigh is similar to Greater Sydney's at 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 59.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, the area has a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.5% while employment declined by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points in Westleigh. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide further insight into potential future demand within Westleigh. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Westleigh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 with those for Greater Sydney, which are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,433 (median) and $104,442 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household incomes rank exceptionally high at the 97th percentile ($3,021 weekly). Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 34.4% earning $4,000+ weekly (1,594 residents), differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 30.9%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 50.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. 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

Westleigh's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 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 stood at 45.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (47.1%) or rented (7.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Westleigh was $705, compared to Sydney metro's $470 and 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 percent of all households, including 51.1 percent couples with children, 27.2 percent couples without children, and 7.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.5 percent, with lone person households at 13.3 percent and group households comprising 1.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is 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 exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 49.7% hold 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% currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

The analysis of public transport in Westleigh shows that there are 33 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes, together providing 384 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 144 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 84% of residents, while only 9% use trains. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 59.1%, work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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 notable results. AreaSearch's assessment found very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (3,001 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.9 and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 72.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Westleigh has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (991 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning 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, accounting for 56.7%. Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Westleigh 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%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Polish (1.1% vs regional 0.6%), South African (1.1% vs 0.5%), and Korean (1.3% vs 1.1%) were overrepresented in Westleigh.

Westleigh hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Westleigh is 45 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westleigh has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.4% to 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group declined from 5.0% to 3.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Westleigh's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 25% (130 people), reaching 664 from 533. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting Westleigh's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.