Westmead

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of Westmead is estimated at around 18,879 as of Feb 2026. This 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 estimate of the resident population at 17,785 in June 2024 and an additional 414 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. Westmead's growth of 14.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.8%) and Greater Sydney averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Westmead.

AreaSearch uses 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. Population projections indicate an above median growth for the suburb, expecting an increase of 3,700 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Westmead has experienced around 136 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years up to FY25. In total, this amounts to an estimated 682 homes. As of FY26, which started in July 2021 and is ongoing, 21 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, each dwelling constructed has accommodated approximately 1.6 new residents per year over the past five financial years between FY21 and FY25. However, recent data shows this figure has intensified to 6.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $536,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year, FY26, has seen $202.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Comparing Westmead's construction rates to Greater Sydney, they remain similar per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, promoting more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location currently hosts approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Westmead is projected to add 2,606 residents by 2041. 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 is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 50 such projects that are expected to impact the 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 considered 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 an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%.

As of December 2025, 11,582 residents were employed, with a participation rate of 84.2%, higher than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Home workership stood at 51.4%. Dominant sectors included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and finance & insurance. Professional & technical services had a strong presence, at 1.6 times the regional level, while construction was relatively limited at 3.6% compared to 8.6% regionally.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westmead's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 compare to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for Westmead would be approximately $62,094 (median) and $75,792 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Westmead rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 76th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 39.3% of Westmead's community (7,419 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.9% in 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

The dwelling structure in Westmead, as per the latest Census, consisted of 15.0% houses and 85.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, 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 in Westmead 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, while rents were also 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 making up 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 exceeds national averages significantly: 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 prevalent at 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% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.6% in primary, 8.2% in tertiary, and 5.5% in 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

The analysis of public transport in Westmead shows that there are 64 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. In total, these stops are served by 56 individual routes, which collectively provide 13,453 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 147 meters from the nearest stop. As Westmead is primarily residential, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport for residents is by car at 53%, followed by train at 25% and walking at 11%.

On average, there are 0.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with this figure standing at 51.4%. This may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages out at 1,921 trips per day 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 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% (~10,281 people) of Westmead's total population has private health cover, compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. Diabetes and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 4.5 and 4.4% of residents respectively. About 82.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Westmead has 10.2% (1,925 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, which is 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's population is predominantly culturally diverse, with 76.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 72.2% born overseas. The dominant religion in Westmead is Hinduism, practiced by 47.8%, significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%. The top three ancestry groups are Indian (33.7%), Other (30.2%), and Chinese (7.2%), all notably higher than regional averages of 3.6% and 16.0%, respectively.

Specifically, Sri Lankan ancestry is overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 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, lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (22.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.9%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Westmead's population has seen an increase in the 15 to 24 age group from 9.6% to 10.3%, while the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 22.8% to 21.6%. By 2041, Westmead's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 55 to 64 age cohort is expected to grow by 45%, adding 584 residents to reach a total of 1,887. Conversely, populations in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are projected to decline.