Grasmere (NSW)

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Analysis of ABS population figures for the surrounding region, combined with address details verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, estimates the population of Grasmere at approximately 2,089 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 16 residents (0.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 2,105 residents. The calculation is derived from a resident count of 2,088, which Districts calculated using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside subsequent address verification. With this population level, the density stands at 384 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for potential development. The main source of population growth in the locality was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 66.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Grasmere is home to a qualified workforce, with the building sector showing particularly strong representation, a low unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 7.0% over the previous year, according to Districts regional aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 915 employed residents, and the unemployment rate sits 2.0% lower than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, whereas labor force participation is notably lower, recording 50.6% compared to 69.1% in Greater Sydney. Census responses show that a significant 39.1% of residents worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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According to tax data at the postcode level from the ATO compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, the suburb of Grasmere records a median taxpayer income of $32,336 and an average taxpayer income of $39,640. These figures are below the national benchmarks, contrasting with a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would sit at roughly $35,673 for the median and $43,731 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics indicate individual incomes are situated in the 6th percentile ($543 weekly), whereas household incomes are higher, sitting in the 44th percentile. Income distribution statistics show that 26.2% of the population (547 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, whereas the wider region is dominated by the - band at . The population shows distinct economic tiers, ranging from in lower brackets to in high-earning brackets. Financial pressure from housing is significant, leaving just of income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, and the local SEIFA income rank is in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Grasmere consisted of 70.1% standalone houses and 29.8% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses and units, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metro Sydney. The rate of outright home ownership in Grasmere was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average, standing at 50.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 42.3% and rented properties accounting for 6.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $2,831, which is higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was $116, compared to $470 for metro Sydney. Compared nationally, Grasmere's mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rental costs are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of local households at 71.1%, consisting of couples with children at 33.7%, couples without children at 31.0%, and single parent households at 5.9%. Non-family households make up 28.9% of the total, with single person households accounting for 28.4% and group living situations representing 1.1%. The average household size of 2.6 residents is slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment in the area is lower than regional averages, with university graduation rates of 21.0% compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. This represents a notable gap as well as an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificate level qualifications at 24.0%.

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Public transport networks in Grasmere include 13 active transit stops, which are served by bus routes. There are 15 different routes operating, providing a total of 174 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 480 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the vast majority of commuters travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the main mode of travel for 96% of residents. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.9, which is higher than the regional average. A significant 39.1% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators in Grasmere point to notable challenges, based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic disease rates, which are somewhat common overall and elevated within older age brackets. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at approximately 43% of the population (~892 people). This compares to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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Grasmere exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 83.1% of the population born in Australia, 94.0% holding citizenship, and 91.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 83.4% of the local population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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Grasmere has a median age of 59, which is significantly older than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the area has a high proportion of residents aged 85 and over (15.3%) and a low proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (4.5%). The concentration of residents aged 85 and older is much higher than the national average of 2.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 10.4% to 12.8% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket has grown from 14.4% to 16.0%, while the cohort aged 85 and over has decreased from 17.2% to . Demographic projections for point to major shifts in Grasmere's age distribution. The cohort aged and over is projected to grow by ( people), rising from to . This aging trend is prominent, with people aged and over accounting for of the total projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged to and to are expected to decrease in size.

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Grasmere currently has an estimated 58 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 69 children aged 0-2 and 47 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 5% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 51 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 223. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.1 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.