Garden (NSW)

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According to ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Garden Suburb is approximately 1,978 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 19 people (1.0%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 1,959 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 1,977, which was calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density of 1,041 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages across locations monitored by Districts. The suburb of Garden Suburb's 1.0% post-census growth trails the SA3 area (3.2%) by 2.2 percentage points, showing solid underlying expansion. Growth in the suburb of Garden Suburb was mostly fueled by natural increase, which generated roughly 52.0% of the population rise over recent periods, though other elements such as interstate and overseas migration also contributed positively.

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Garden Suburb has a highly qualified workforce with strong representation in essential services fields, and an unemployment rate of only 3.3% according to Districts' compiled statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,065 residents are employed, which places the local unemployment rate 0.8% below the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is also exceptionally high at 68.2% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents (29.1%) worked from home, although this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

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Garden Suburb has a median taxpayer income of $63,372 and an average of $75,388, based on the latest postcode level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. These figures are highly elevated on a national scale, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $69,912 for the median and $83,168 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, family, and personal incomes in Garden Suburb all place in high brackets, ranking between the 72nd and 86th percentiles nationally. The largest income group consists of 32.0% of earners making $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (632 residents), which corresponds closely with the wider region where this segment comprises . Garden Suburb shows high affluence, with of residents earning over per week, which helps support premium retail and service businesses. After paying for housing, residents keep of their income, indicating substantial purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking falls in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, residential dwelling types in Garden Suburb consisted of 99.5% houses and 0.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, and miscellaneous structures), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership levels in Garden Suburb were also much higher than the Regional NSW average, standing at 45.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (43.3%) or tenants (11.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $2,066, well above the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $465, compared to Regional NSW's average of $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Garden Suburb exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households make up the vast majority of households at 81.7%, consisting of 44.5% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.3%, with single person households representing 16.1% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in Garden Suburb is significantly higher than broader reference levels, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 23.5% in the SA3 area. This educational profile positions the locality well for knowledge-based jobs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest category at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational skills are also highly represented, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (23.9%).

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Public transport data shows 14 active stops operating in Garden Suburb, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 10 separate routes, which collectively support 490 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as outstanding, with residents living an average of 179 meters from their closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the main transport mode for 96% of trips. Car ownership averages 1.8 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. A high 29.1% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions).

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Garden Suburb faces notable health challenges, based on Districts' analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness rates, with typical medical issues relatively common, especially within older age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 57% of the total population (~1,121 people) covered, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

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Garden Suburb is less culturally diverse than the average area, with 87.2% of residents born in Australia, 94.6% holding citizenship, and 91.0% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 53.1% of residents, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW.

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The median age of 40 years in Garden Suburb is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 43, though just above the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the 35 - 44 age cohort is highly represented locally (14.6%), while the 65 - 74 bracket is under-represented (8.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age segment has grown from 9.2% to 12.3% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 13.1% to 14.6%. In contrast, the 85+ cohort fell from 4.2% to 2.3%, and the 65 to 74 group declined from to . Population projections for show notable demographic changes. The to cohort is expected to grow significantly, increasing by people () from to . The to age bracket is projected to experience very flat growth of , adding no new residents.

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Garden Suburb currently has an estimated 118 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 73 children aged 0-2 and 49 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 29% by 2041 (to approximately 152 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 194. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.4 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.