Carlingford (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Carlingford has a resident count estimated at 30,003 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,959 residents (7.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 28,044 individuals. The figure is derived from a local resident base of 29,984, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, supplemented by 372 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the suburb has a density of 3,517 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top quartile of all nationwide zones analyzed by Districts. Throughout the past ten years, the suburb of Carlingford has shown consistent growth with a 1.9% compound annual rate, exceeding the pace of Greater Sydney. This expansion was majorly fueled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for roughly 83.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with a particularly strong concentration in the technology industry, a jobless rate of only 2.2%, and an estimated job growth of 3.5% over the past year based on statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, working residents numbered 16,649, with a local unemployment rate that sits 1.9% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation closely matches the Greater Sydney rate of 69.1%. Census responses indicate that a significant 51.1% of employees worked from home, although this should be interpreted in the context of pandemic lockdown restrictions.

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Based on the compilation of tax data from the ATO at the postcode level for financial year 2023, local taxpayers recorded a median income of $48,999 and an average income of $68,200. These figures are close to the national middle ground, compared to $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) for Greater Sydney. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections point to approximately $54,056 for median and $75,238 for average incomes as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household incomes are in the 71st percentile ($2,084 weekly), while personal earnings sit in the 47th percentile. The statistics show that 33.5% of residents (10,051 individuals) are in the $1,500 - income bracket, which is similar to the metropolitan average of . A substantial share of top earners ( earning above /week) demonstrates strong financial capacity. High housing costs account for of income, yet strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, with a SEIFA income score in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the area consisted of 58.1% detached houses and 42.0% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached properties, townhouses, and apartments), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across the Sydney metro area. The rate of home ownership was higher than the Sydney metro average, standing at 31.3%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (34.9%) or occupied by tenants (33.8%). The median monthly home loan repayment was higher than the Sydney metro average at $2,500, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $500, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the area are significantly higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Families comprise the vast majority of households at 83.4%, which includes 49.1% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.6%, with single-person households at 14.2% and share housing representing 2.4%. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Academic credentials in the local population are significantly higher than regional and national averages, with 48.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Undergraduates make up the largest segment at 30.5%, followed by postgraduate degree holders at 15.4% and graduate diploma recipients at 2.6%. Vocational education represents 22.0% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, divided between advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (11.1%).

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Public transport networks include 181 active passenger stops across the area, featuring a combination of light rail and bus services. These points of access are connected to 72 distinct routes, which support 4,269 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is highly rated, with typical residences situated 142 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 81%, followed by trains at 9% and buses at 7%. Households average 1.4 vehicles, which is higher than the metropolitan average. A high proportion of 51.1% of residents worked from home (recorded in the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by temporary pandemic conditions).

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Health indicators show excellent results in the area, based on mortality data and chronic illness rates analyzed by Districts, with very low rates of common illnesses across all age groups, and a solid rate of private health insurance coverage held by approximately 54% of the population (~16,171 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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The area ranks among the most multicultural communities nationwide, with 56.8% of residents born outside Australia and 66.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 40.1% of the population. The most prominent divergence from metropolitan norms is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 6.2% of residents compared to 4.1% in Greater Sydney.

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The median age of residents is 38 years, which is close to the Greater Sydney average of 37 and matches the national median of 38. Compared to the wider Sydney region, the suburb of Carlingford has a larger share of children aged 5 - 14 (15.1%) and a smaller share of young adults aged 25 - 34 (10.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 10.8% to 11.7% of the population, while infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4 have decreased from 5.5% to 4.6%. By 2041, the age distribution is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 55% ( people), climbing from to . This demographic aging is pronounced, with residents aged + accounting for of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are expected in the to and to age groups.

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Carlingford currently has an estimated 1,380 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 804 children aged 0-2 and 537 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 1,326 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 3,558. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.