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 May 2026, the population of Westleigh is estimated to be around 4,456 people. This figure represents a decrease of 45 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,501 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation following the Census date. This population level results in a density ratio of 1,166 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Westleigh.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, Westleigh is expected to experience population growth just below the median of national areas by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by approximately 300 persons by that year, reflecting an overall increase of around 6.7% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Westleigh is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Westleigh averaged approximately 3 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 16 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, suggesting new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $751,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, there have been $2.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Westleigh's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westleigh records markedly lower building activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below average nationally, 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 3034 people per approval, Westleigh shows a mature, established area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Westleigh is expected to grow by approximately 300 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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Thornleigh Marketplace Redevelopment, Westleigh Park, The Sanctuary Thornleigh, and Hills Shire Council Infrastructure Delivery Program 2025-2026.

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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 professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of December 2024. By December 2025, the unemployment rate had decreased to 5.9%, which is 1.7% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Westleigh was 66.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census data, 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. The area specialises in education & training with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 0.2%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westleigh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do 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 had an exceptionally high national income level according to AreaSearch data based on ATO figures for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $63,782 and the average income stood at $95,942. These figures compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 respectively. Based on a 10.32% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,364 (median) and $105,843 (average) as of March 2026. According to census data, household incomes ranked exceptionally high at the 97th percentile ($3,021 weekly). The largest income bracket comprised 34.4% earning $4000+ weekly (1,532 residents), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 30.9%. Westleigh demonstrated considerable affluence with 50.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retained 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Westleigh, 97.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.9% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westleigh stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 47.1% and rented ones making up 7.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Westleigh was $3,000, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Westleigh was recorded at $705, compared to Sydney metro's $470 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Westleigh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 13.3% and group households making up 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 and above, 49.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This advantage is evident in various degrees: Bachelor degrees are held by 30.7%, postgraduate qualifications by 14.8%, and graduate diplomas by 4.2%. Vocational pathways account for 24.9% of qualifications, 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 education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 33 active stops operating in Westleigh, consisting of bus services. These are covered by 15 routes, offering 384 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 144 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being dominant at 84%, while train accounts for 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 59.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 54 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 11 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. 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 (2,885 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.9 and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 72.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Westleigh has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.7% (966 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings.

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 linguistic diversity with 23.1% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to most local markets. Born overseas, 34.0% of Westleigh residents were recorded. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.7%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, higher than Greater Sydney's 0.8%. In ancestry, English (24.9%) and Australian (22.0%) groups topped the list, both higher than regional averages of 19.0% respectively. Chinese ancestry made up 8.8%. Notable differences existed for Polish (1.1%), South Australian (1.1%), and Korean (1.3%) groups compared to their respective regional percentages of 0.6%, 0.5%, and 1.1%.

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 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.4% to 15.9%, while the population aged 25-34 declined from 5.0% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Westleigh's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 26% (136 people), reaching 653 from 516. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting Westleigh's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.