Westmead

Population growth drivers in Westmead are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Westmead's population is estimated at around 18,792, reflecting an increase of 2,237 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 16,555. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 18,434 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released June 2024 and an additional 413 validated new addresses since the Census date. Westmead's population density ratio is 6,413 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. This high density makes land in the area highly sought after. Westmead's growth of 13.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded both state (6.7%) and metropolitan averages, marking it as a region leader for population growth.

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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Westmead is projected to have above median population growth nationally, increasing by 4,379 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.4% 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 in Westmead shows around 138 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 693 homes. By FY26, 20 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 is 1.5, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this has increased to 4.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are approved at an average construction cost value of $550,000.

Commercial approvals for FY26 totalled $229.6 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Westmead has moderately higher new home approvals, 11.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists of 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% attached dwellings, promoting affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Westmead has around 140 people per approval, reflecting a developing area.

Future projections estimate Westmead to add 3,449 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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 identified 51 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead (2023), Westmead Health and Innovation District (2024), The Children's Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment (2026), and Westmead Shopping Village Redevelopment (2025). Below is a list of projects likely most relevant.

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The labour market in Westmead demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Westmead has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of June 2025, 11,409 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, 0.2% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is 65.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and finance & insurance. Professional & technical employment is high at 1.6 times the regional level, while construction employs only 3.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 2.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westmead's industry 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 only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Westmead has an income above the national average. The median income is $57,047 and the average income is $69,628. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Westmead would be approximately $64,241 (median) and $78,408 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Westmead rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 76th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.3% of residents (7,385 people), which is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, 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, consists of 15.0% houses and 85.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro has 36.4% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmead is at 9.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.8% and rented ones at 70.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Westmead is $2,000, below Sydney metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure for Westmead is $410, compared to Sydney metro's $420. Nationally, Westmead's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 matches the Greater Sydney average.

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

Educational attainment in Westmead is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 64.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 26.2% and graduate diplomas at 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, 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. There are nine schools operating within Westmead, educating approximately 3,822 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1093. The educational mix includes four primary schools, three secondary schools, and two K-12 schools. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Westmead has 50 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 58 individual routes, collectively facilitating 9,380 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically situated 144 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,340 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 187 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

Westmead's health outcomes show excellent results with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents.

Approximately 54% (~10,234 people) have private health cover. The most frequent medical issues are diabetes (4.5%) and mental health problems (4.4%). Around 82.9% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 79%. Westmead has 9.5% (1,785 people) aged 65+, lower than Greater Sydney's 12.5%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention compared to 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 high cultural diversity, with 76.8% speaking languages other than English at home and 72.2% born overseas. Hinduism is the dominant religion in Westmead at 47.8%, higher than Greater Sydney's 28.8%. Top ancestry groups are Indian (33.7%), Other (30.2%), and Chinese (7.2%).

Notably, Sri Lankan (1.0%) and Lebanese (2.0%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 3.5%, respectively. Korean representation is slightly lower at 1.2%.

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

Westmead's median age is 33, which is lower 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 suggest significant demographic shifts in Westmead. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 740 residents to reach a total of 2,357. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is forecast to grow by 0%, with an increase of just 4 people.