Five Dock (NSW)

Detail

Based on demographic assessments of ABS regional updates, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Five Dock is estimated to be approximately 10,385 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 562 people (5.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 9,823 people. This trend is derived from a resident population of 10,371, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the area has a density ratio of 4,221 persons per square kilometer, positioning it in the top 10% of countrywide locations analyzed by Districts, indicating that land here is a highly coveted resource. The 5.7% growth of the suburb of Five Dock since the 2021 census outperformed the SA3 area (5.5%), establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population increases were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of total population growth in recent times.

Detail

Five Dock possesses a highly educated labor force, with the technology sector being notably well-represented, and an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, based on Districts statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, 5,861 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.3% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation matches the Greater Sydney level of 69.1%. Census responses indicate that a high proportion of residents, 51.0%, worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be taken into account.

Detail

According to the latest postcode level ATO data from Districts released for the 2023 financial year, the median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Five Dock is $66,641, with an average of $100,007. This ranks exceptionally high nationwide, comparing to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $73,518 (median) and $110,328 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Five Dock all rank highly, sitting between the 84th and 84th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 26.9% of the community ( individuals), matching the regional trend of in this bracket. The large share of high earners ( earning above /week) indicates strong financial capacity. High housing costs take up of income, but strong earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, and the SEIFA income ranking places the area in the th decile.

Detail

Dwelling composition in Five Dock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 45.4% houses and 54.6% other dwelling types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Sydney metro split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership stood well above the Sydney metro average, at 32.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (29.9%) or rented (37.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,000, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $570, compared to Sydney metro figures of $2,427 and $470. Nationally, mortgage payments in the area are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are substantially above the national average of $375.

Detail

Family households make up the majority at 70.5% of all households, consisting of 34.0% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households representing 26.4% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Detail

Educational attainment levels in Five Dock are significantly higher than wider benchmarks, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational profile positions the area well for knowledge-based sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 26.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 27.8% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (15.8%).

Detail

Public transport analysis shows 91 active transport stops operating within Five Dock, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 70 individual routes, which support a total of 4,970 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 116 meters from the nearest stop. As a major residential area, most residents commute out of the suburb, with the car remaining the dominant transport mode at 80%, while 8% travel by bus and 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling. A high proportion of residents, 51.0%, work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Detail

Health metrics indicate excellent outcomes throughout Five Dock, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease prevalence, with low rates of common health conditions observed across both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the population (6,889 people). This compares to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Five Dock ranks highly for cultural diversity, with 34.7% of residents born overseas and 33.5% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, representing 62.0% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

Detail

At 41 years, the median age in Five Dock is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and slightly older than the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 55 - 64 age bracket is over-represented (12.6% locally), while the 25 - 34 cohort is under-represented (11.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 9.1% to 11.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 5.6% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 12.6% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling indicates the age profile will change by with the to group projected to grow fastest at , adding residents to reach . Demographic aging continues as residents aged and older account for of the projected growth, while declines are expected for the to and to age groups.

Detail

Five Dock currently has an estimated 571 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 326 children aged 0-2 and 217 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 474 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 843. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.