Westmead

Population growth drivers in Westmead are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Westmead's population is estimated at around 18,146 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,591 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,555 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,051, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 418 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,193 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Westmead's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's 7.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 3,306 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.7% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Westmead has had around 136 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 682 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Westmead between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.3 people per year. New construction has matched or outpaced demand, with an average expected construction cost value of $536,000 per property.

This financial year, there have been $202.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Westmead maintains similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Sydney, supporting market stability. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing. There are approximately 196 people per dwelling approval in Westmead, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Westmead will add 3,211 residents by 2041 at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand and providing good conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 45 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Westmead Health Precinct Redevelopment, West Grove, Sydney Metro West - Western Tunnelling Package, and West Grove Westmead. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Westmead exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Westmead has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of December 2025, 11,523 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation at 81.3%.

Census responses showed that 51.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and finance & insurance. Westmead has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has limited presence at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 8.6%.

The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates higher-than-average local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Westmead had a median income among taxpayers of $57,040 and an average income of $69,623 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By March 2026, estimates based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth would place Westmead's median income at approximately $62,927 and the average at around $76,808. Census data shows that incomes in Westmead rank between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 39.3% of Westmead's community (7,131 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income in Westmead, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Westmead features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Westmead's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 15.0% houses and 85.0% other dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmead was at 9.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.8% and rented ones at 70.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Westmead was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Westmead was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Westmead's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $410.

Westmead features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.0% of all households, broken down into 41.5% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households making up 6.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Westmead has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 64.3% holding university qualifications. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. The area's educational advantage is evident in the variety of qualifications held: bachelor degrees are most common at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 26.2%, and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational pathways also contribute to this figure, with advanced diplomas accounting for 7.9% and certificates 7.1% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above.

Educational participation is high in Westmead, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.2% in tertiary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Westmead has 64 active public transport stops offering train, lightrail, and bus services. These stops are served by 56 routes, facilitating 13,453 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 147 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Westmead sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 53%, followed by train at 25% and walking at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,921 trips daily, equating to approximately 210 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Westmead is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Westmead demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~9,882 people) have private health cover, compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Diabetes and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 4.5 and 4.4% of residents respectively. About 82.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 10.1% (1,832 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Westmead has a high level of cultural diversity, with 76.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 72.2% born overseas. The predominant religion in Westmead is Hinduism, accounting for 47.8% of the population, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Indian (33.7%), Other (30.2%), and Chinese (7.2%).

These percentages are substantially higher than their respective regional averages: Indian (3.6%), Other (16.0%), and Chinese (1.4%). There are also notable differences in the representation of Sri Lankan, Lebanese, and Korean groups compared to the regional averages.

Westmead's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

At 34 years, Westmead's median age is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (23.8%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, Westmead's population has seen an increase in the 15 to 24 age group from 9.6% to 10.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.7% and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 22.8% to 21.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Westmead, with the 55 to 64 cohort projected to grow by 47%, adding 591 residents to reach a total of 1,844. Conversely, numbers in the 5 to 14 age range are expected to fall by approximately 4%.