Westmead

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Westmead is around 18,879 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 2,324 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,555. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 17,785 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6,443 persons per square kilometer, placing Westmead in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 14.0% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney levels, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses 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 ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Westmead, with an expected increase of 4,269 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Westmead among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Westmead experienced around 136 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 681 homes. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling was observed (FY21-FY25), suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this ratio has intensified to 6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $537,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment.

In FY26, there have been $202.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Westmead adding 3,280 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 50 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the Westmead Health Precinct Redevelopment, Westmead Health and Innovation District, Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead, and The Children's Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment. A detailed list of these projects is provided below for further reference.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Westmead has been broadly consistent with national averages

Westmead has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 11,505 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was at 82.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 51.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and finance & insurance.

Westmead shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, and labour force increased by 3.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Westmead's employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not taking into account localised population projections.

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. This compares to figures for Greater Sydney of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). By September 2025, based on an 8.86% increase in incomes since financial year 2023, the estimated median income would be approximately $62,094 and the average income $75,792. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Westmead rank between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 39.3% of Westmead's community (7,419 individuals), slightly higher than the metropolitan region's 30.9%. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income in Westmead, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally. The suburb'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 (semi-detached, apartments, '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 the area was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Westmead's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $410 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, including 41.5% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 6.0%. 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's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages: 64.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (26.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 15.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 7.1%. Educational participation is high in Westmead, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.6% in primary, 8.2% in tertiary, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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 a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 56 individual routes, collectively facilitating 13,453 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 147 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 53%, followed by trains at 25% and walking at 11%. On average, there are 0.5 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,921 trips daily across all routes, 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 shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation 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% (~10,281 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% report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Around 10.2% (1,925 people) are aged 65 or over, lower than the 15.4% 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 languages other than English at home and 72.2% born overseas. The dominant religion in Westmead is Hinduism, accounting for 47.8% of the population, which is significantly higher compared to the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Indian (33.7%, regional average: 3.6%), Other (30.2%, regional average: 16.0%), and Chinese (7.2%).

Some other ethnic groups show notable differences in representation compared to regional averages: Sri Lankan at 1.0% versus 0.3%, Lebanese at 2.0% versus 2.6%, and Korean at 1.2% versus 1.1%.

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

Westmead's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 years (22.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 years (7.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.6% to 10.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 13.0% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Westmead. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 674 residents to reach a total of 2,355. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age group is expected to show minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 12 people.