Chester Hill (NSW)

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Evaluating demographics from ABS updates for the region and address monitoring by Districts suggests the population of Chester Hill is approximately 15,343 for May 2026. Since the 2021 Census, which counted 14,007 people, this represents an addition of 1,336 people (9.5%). This calculation relies on a resident base of 15,179 derived from the ABS ERP release in June 2025 combined with 153 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With a density of 3,855 persons per square kilometer, the locality ranks in the top 10% nationally, reflecting highly competitive land demand. The 9.5% expansion since the 2021 Census outpaced the state (7.1%) and the wider SA3 area, positioning Chester Hill as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 62.0% of the overall population increases.

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The suburb of Chester Hill features a diverse, skilled labor force with an unemployment rate of 11.6% and a 4.2% increase in job numbers over the past year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,503, but the unemployment rate sits 7.5% above the Greater Sydney mark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is low at 51.7% compared to 69.1% across the metro region. Census records indicate that 31.8% of workers worked from home, though this was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 shows local incomes are below national benchmarks. Taxpayers in the suburb of Chester Hill recorded a median income of $38,442 and an average income of $47,793, compared to Greater Sydney values of $60,817 and $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates suggest a median of $42,409 and an average of $52,725. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly incomes at the 3rd percentile ($495 weekly), though household incomes were higher at the 24th percentile. The largest income group comprises 29.8% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,572 residents), close to the metropolitan rate of . Mortgage and rent payments consume a high portion of income, leaving only of earnings, which ranks at the th percentile for affordability.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Chester Hill consists of 73.8% standalone houses and 26.2% other housing types, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metro Sydney. Home ownership rates match the wider metropolitan average at 27.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 30.5% and rental properties accounting for 41.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,167 is well below the Sydney metro median of $2,427, and the median weekly rent of $380 is also below the metropolitan average of $470. Locally, mortgage costs exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the Australian benchmark of $375.

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Families make up 75.8% of households, consisting of couples with children (41.1%), couples without children (15.4%), and single-parent households (17.4%). Single-person homes (21.8%) and group houses (2.4%) make up the remaining 24.2% of households. The median household size of 3.2 people exceeds the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational data highlights areas for growth, with tertiary qualification rates at 20.8% compared to the SA4 regional average of 39.1%. Bachelor degrees are held by 15.3% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational qualifications are common, with 28.4% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (18.0%).

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Public transport services in the suburb of Chester Hill include 115 active train and bus stops, which are serviced by 27 distinct routes providing 2,588 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 122 meters from the nearest stop. The majority of working residents commute outside the area, with 83% traveling by car and 9% by train. Households average 1.3 vehicles. The 2021 Census noted that 31.8% of residents worked from home, though this was likely influenced by temporary restrictions.

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Health indicators are positive for residents in the suburb of Chester Hill, with overall illness and mortality statistics aligning closely with national averages across different age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is notably low at roughly 46% of the population (~7,043 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity is high in the suburb of Chester Hill, with 46.6% of residents born outside Australia and 68.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Islam is the primary religion, followed by 39.2% of residents, compared to 6.8% across the Greater Sydney area.

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The median age in the suburb of Chester Hill is 34 years, which is younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The population has a high concentration of young people aged 15 - 24 (16.0%) and a lower percentage of people aged 35 - 44 (12.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 14.5% to 16.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 15.3% to 14.2%. Projections for 2041 indicate aging trends, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 76%, adding residents to reach . Residents aged and over are projected to drive of population growth, while declines are forecast for the to and to cohorts.

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Chester Hill currently has an estimated 1,012 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 579 children aged 0-2 and 386 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 0% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 964 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,715. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.