Sydenham

Sydenham is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Sydenham's population is around 11,994 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 268 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,726. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 11,972 in June 2024 and an additional 137 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,036 persons per square kilometer. Sydenham's growth rate of 2.3% since census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of its SA3 area (2.6%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 96.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with Sydenham expected to expand by 1,218 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 10.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Sydenham, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Sydenham averaged approximately 41 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 206 homes were approved, with one additional approval recorded so far in FY26. The population has been declining in recent years, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $223,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices. In the current financial year, $5.8 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sydenham has shown moderately higher new home approvals, with 16.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New development in Sydenham consists of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% townhouses or apartments, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 66.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The location has approximately 3091 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, Sydenham is expected to grow by 1,196 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Sydenham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Shared User Paths Upgrade - Taylors Lakes/Sydenham/Hillside, 9 Pecks Road Townhouse Development, and The Marketplace at Watergardens. Below is a list of those 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.

The employment landscape in Sydenham shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Sydenham has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of September 2024.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. As of September 2025, 6,795 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Sydenham is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Sydenham has a particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Sydenham increased by 4.4%, while labour force increased by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sydenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Sydenham SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,019 and an average income of $61,264 in the financial year 2022. This was lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $58,345 and the average income around $68,714. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 54th percentile ($1,820 weekly), while personal income was at the 32nd percentile. The largest income segment comprised 37.6% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Sydenham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Sydenham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sydenham stood at 28.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented dwellings at 31.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,650, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Sydenham was $366, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Sydenham's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Sydenham features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 15.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

Sydenham performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 26.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (20.0%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, with 8.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sydenham has 37 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 9 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide a combined 4,689 passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 230 meters. On average, there are 669 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 126 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sydenham's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Sydenham's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among the general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 51% of Sydenham's total population (~6,068 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.1% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in Sydenham are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 7.6% and 6.8% of residents respectively. 71.6% of Sydenham residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, 16.1% of Sydenham's residents are aged 65 and over (1,927 people), which is lower than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Sydenham require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Sydenham has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.4% of its population born overseas and 47.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Sydenham is Christianity, comprising 57.7% of the population. Notably, the percentage of people identifying as 'Other' religion is higher in Sydenham at 5.2%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' (18.7%), Australian (14.1%), and English (13.1%). Some ethnic groups show significant representation differences: Maltese is overrepresented at 5.2% in Sydenham compared to the regional average of 4.6%, Croatian at 3.0% versus 2.2%, and Macedonian at 2.9% compared to 2.5%.

Sydenham's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sydenham's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.9% of Sydenham's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has risen from 7.1% to 8.7%, and the 75 to 84 group has increased from 3.9% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.0% to 12.2%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Sydenham's age structure. The 65 to 74 group is expected to grow by 52%, reaching 1,588 people from its current total of 1,045. This growth reflects the aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 78% of projected population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.