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, Westmead's population is estimated at around 18,863 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,308 people (13.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,555 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,785 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 413 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,437 persons per square kilometer, placing Westmead in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Westmead's growth of 13.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.6%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed 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 ahead, significant population increase is forecast for Westmead, expected to reach 23,308 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.3% in total 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 shows Westmead experienced around 136 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 681 homes. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, recent data indicates this has increased to 6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, potentially signaling undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $537,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

This year, Westmead has seen $202.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability. Recent construction consists of 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 area has approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Westmead to add 3,444 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 50 such projects that could impact this particular area. Notable projects include the Westmead Health Precinct Redevelopment, Westmead Health and Innovation District, Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead, and The Children's Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 11,496 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 65.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and finance & insurance. Westmead shows particular strength in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Construction has limited presence at 3.6%, compared to 8.6% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.6 indicates above-norm local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% and labour force grew by 3.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points in Westmead. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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.

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

The suburb of Westmead has an income level slightly above the national average, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Westmead is $57,040, with an average income of $69,623. These figures compare to those for Greater Sydney, which are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $62,094 and an average income of around $75,792 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Westmead all rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 76th percentiles. Income brackets show that 39.3% of the community (7,413 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region, where 30.9% fall into the same category. 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

In Westmead, as per the latest Census evaluation, 15.0% of dwellings were houses while 85.0% comprised other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 36.4% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmead stood at 9.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.8% and rented ones at 70.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Westmead was recorded at $410, slightly higher than the national average of $375 but below Sydney metro's figure of $420. Nationally, Westmead's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Westmead features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households making up 6.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

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 and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 64.3% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. The area's highest proportion of qualifications are bachelor degrees (35.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (26.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 15.0%, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 7.1%.

Educational participation is 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 operating, offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 56 individual routes that collectively facilitate 13,453 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated 147 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,921 trips per day, resulting in approximately 210 weekly trips per individual stop.

Westmead's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows notable results across Westmead.

Common health conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% of the total population (~10,272 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and mental health issues, affecting 4.5% and 4.4% of residents respectively. About 82.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.0% across Greater Sydney. Westmead has 9.5% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,791 people), which is lower than the 12.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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, comprising 47.8% of the population, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 28.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Indian (33.7%, compared to the regional average of 18.4%), Other (30.2%, compared to 23.7%) and Chinese (7.2%).

Notably, Sri Lankan (1.0% vs 0.9%), Lebanese (2.0% vs 3.5%) and Korean (1.2% vs 1.5%) groups are overrepresented in Westmead compared to the regional averages.

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

Westmead's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.5%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (8.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 13.0% to 12.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Westmead. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 740 residents to reach a total of 2,363. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow by a modest 1% (an increase of 7 people).