Heckenberg (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic releases covering the surrounding region, alongside new address points verified by Districts since the Census Heckenberg's population is estimated at around 3,289 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 26 people (0.8%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,263 people. This variation is calculated from the resident population of 3,286, estimated by Districts after analyzing the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density ratio of 3,536 persons per square kilometer, placing Heckenberg in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by Districts. Population expansion for Heckenberg was mostly driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Heckenberg has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 15.9%, and 2.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,024 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 11.8% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (47.9% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Heckenberg is below the national average, with the median assessed at $39,971 while the average income stands at $46,369. This contrasts to Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $44,096 (median) and $51,154 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Heckenberg all fall between the 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 27.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (897 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Heckenberg, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.9% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Heckenberg was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 20.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.4%) or rented (50.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $1,850, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Heckenberg's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 78.8% of all households, comprising 35.1% couples with children, 15.2% couples without children, and 27.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.2%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 3.3 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.0%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (21.1%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Heckenberg comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 26 individual routes, collectively providing 1,205 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 108 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 18.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Heckenberg faces significant health challenges, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,491 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The national average is 55.7%.

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Heckenberg scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 43.0% of its population born overseas and 63.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Heckenberg was found to be Christianity, which makes up 35.0% of people in Heckenberg. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 14.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

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At 32 years, Heckenberg's median age is materially younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Sydney, Heckenberg has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (16.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 15.9% to 17.6% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Heckenberg's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 15 to 24 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . On the other hand, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Heckenberg currently has an estimated 220 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 139 children aged 0-2 and 93 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 218 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 427. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.