Heathcote (NSW)

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Following an investigation of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, Heathcote (NSW) has a calculated population of approximately 6,201 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 53 people (0.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,148 individuals. This shift is derived from the resident population of 6,196, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an extra 67 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size represents a density of 609 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per resident and capacity for future expansion. The suburb of Heathcote (NSW)'s post-census growth of 0.9% is within 2.2 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (3.1%), indicating competitive underlying growth dynamics. Local population expansion was predominantly fueled by net overseas migration, which served as the exclusive source of population increase during the latest timeframes.

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Heathcote features a capable labor pool with strong representation across key service industries, an unemployment rate of 2.4%, and projected employment growth of 0.7% over the previous twelve months according to Districts aggregated statistics. By March 2026, 3,503 residents are employed, with unemployment sitting at 1.7% lower than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation rates align closely with Greater Sydney's 69.1%. Census data indicates that 39.1% of residents work from home, although this figure should be viewed in the context of pandemic-related restrictions.

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Tax data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year ranks local earnings very high on a national scale. The median taxpayer income is $61,720 and the average taxpayer income is $75,005, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates indicate a median of approximately $68,090 and an average of $82,746 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and individual earnings all ranking highly, placing between the 74th and 80th percentiles nationally. The weekly income band of $1,500 - 2,999 accounts for 29.4% of the population (1,823 individuals), which is similar to the broader region where fall into this range. High earners are well represented, with earning more than per week, pointing to substantial financial capacity. Housing expenses consume of income, and strong earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 74.5% standalone houses and 25.5% alternative dwelling types (semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% alternative dwellings across the Sydney metropolitan area. The home ownership rate stood at 42.1%, which is significantly higher than the Sydney metro average, with remaining households holding a mortgage (46.3%) or renting (11.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,553, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was $520, compared to the regional median of $470. On a national level, mortgage commitments are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent payments are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 77.9%, consisting of 39.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.1%, with single-person households representing 21.0% and group housing making up 1.2%. The median household occupancy is 2.7 residents, aligning with the Greater Sydney average.

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The local area presents educational gaps, as the proportion of residents with university qualifications (24.6%) is significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This indicates a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Practical and vocational skills are highly represented, with 41.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (29.3%).

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Analysis of the local transit network shows 55 active transport stops in Heathcote, consisting of train and bus facilities. These stops are served by 18 separate routes, which support 1,507 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 125 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary commute mode at 89%, followed by trains at 7%. Households average 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A high 39.1% of workers worked from home, based on 2021 Census data, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

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Health assessments by Districts based on mortality statistics and chronic disease trends suggest outcomes that are below average, though general health issues are typical, even though they exceed the national average for older age groups. The rate of private health insurance is very high, covering approximately 57% of the population (around 3,507 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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The local population displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with 87.8% of residents born in Australia, 93.5% holding citizenship, and 95.2% using only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 59.4% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 43 in the local area is much higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. The demographic profile is characterized by a high proportion of residents aged 85 and older (4.6%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is relatively small (8.6%) compared to Greater Sydney. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 11.2% to 13.0% of the population, whereas the 25 to 34 group has shrunk from 9.7% to 8.6%. Looking toward 2041, projections indicate substantial changes in the local age distribution. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 197 individuals () from to . Notably, residents aged and older will account for of the total population growth, reflecting a rapidly aging local profile. Conversely, the to and to cohorts are projected to decline in numbers.

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Heathcote currently has an estimated 310 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 184 children aged 0-2 and 122 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 256 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 667. 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.