Austral (NSW)

Detail

According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Austral has an estimated population of 17,417 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 10,570 people (154.4%) from the 2021 Census, when 6,847 residents were recorded. This change is calculated from a resident population of 16,567, estimated by Districts based on the ABS ERP release from June 2025, alongside 4,840 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population size results in a density of 986 persons per square kilometer, which is consistent with typical averages across locations evaluated by Districts. The growth rate of 154.4% in the suburb of Austral since the 2021 census outpaced both the state (7.1%) and Greater Sydney, making it a regional leader in expansion. The primary contributor to this increase was interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 84.0% of the total population gains in recent times, though natural growth and overseas migration also registered positive contributions.

Detail

Data aggregated by Districts reveals that Austral has an educated labor force spanning various sectors, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% and a yearly employment growth estimate of 11.8%. As of March 2026, there are 8,680 employed residents. The unemployment rate matches the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation stands well above the norm at 75.6% compared to the metropolitan average of 69.1%. Census records show that a high proportion of residents (38.5%) worked from home, although this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Detail

According to the latest ATO postcode data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Austral have a median income of $66,666 and an average income of $85,287. This is highly elevated on a national scale, comparing to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at roughly $73,546 for the median and $94,089 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal earnings in the suburb of Austral sit around the 73rd percentile nationally. The primary earnings bracket contains 43.0% of local taxpayers (7,489 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan trend where fall into this bracket. High housing costs account for of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in Austral consisted of 91.7% separate houses and 8.3% other dwelling types like semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates in Austral stood at 18.3%, trailing the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (53.0%) or rented (28.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the metropolitan average at $2,535, while the median weekly rent was $520, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,427 and $470. Globally within Australia, mortgage costs in Austral are higher than the national average of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up the vast majority of households at 85.9%, which includes couples with children at 49.3%, couples without children at 24.2%, and single parents at 11.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.1%, consisting of single-person households at 13.0% and group households at 1.2%. The median household size stands at 3.1 residents, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Detail

The level of education in Austral is notably higher than regional benchmarks, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.4% in the SA4 region and 22.6% in the SA3 area. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical training is also common, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (19.4%).

Detail

Analysis shows 62 active public transport stops in Austral, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 34 routes, which provide a total of 522 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 436 meters from their nearest stop. Because Austral is mainly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars being the primary mode of travel at 86%, followed by trains at 10%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.6 cars, which is higher than the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents (38.5%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Detail

Austral displays positive health metrics based on mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses analyzed by Districts, with both younger and older demographics showing low rates of common health conditions. Additionally, private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 61% of the population (10,551 people).

Detail

Austral ranks highly for cultural diversity, with 46.5% of residents born outside Australia and 58.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 52.4% of the population. Islam represents a significant local demographic at 16.3%, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%.

Detail

The median age in the suburb of Austral is 30 years, making it younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Austral has a larger share of residents aged 5 - 14 (17.1%) and a smaller share aged 55 - 64 (5.5%). The proportion of 5 - 14 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 17.1% to 20.3% of the population, and the 5 to 14 bracket grew from 14.4% to 17.1%. Meanwhile, the 25 to age group decreased from to , and the to group fell from to . Population models suggest the age distribution will shift by with the to cohort projected to increase by people () from to .

Detail

Austral currently has an estimated 1,863 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 975 children aged 0-2 and 651 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 150% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 238% by 2041 (to approximately 6,296 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,297. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 20.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.