Islington (NSW)

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According to ABS population statistics analyzed alongside recent validation of addresses by Districts, the suburb of Islington has a population of approximately 2,320 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 294 individuals (14.5%) relative to the 2,026 residents documented in the 2021 Census. The calculation is derived from a June 2025 ABS ERP release and 45 validated new addresses added after the census date, leading to an estimated population of 2,319 by Districts. With a density of 3,267 persons per square kilometer, the area ranks in the top quartile of locations evaluated nationwide by Districts. The growth rate of 14.5% since the 2021 census outperformed the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and its SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The expansion was primarily fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 37.0% of the overall population gains, although natural increase and interstate migration also contributed positively.

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Statistical data compiled by Districts indicates that the suburb of Islington has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in key service industries and an unemployment rate of 5.1%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,481, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.0% higher than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 77.4%, compared to the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census figures show a high rate of working from home at 33.8%, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Islington had a median income of $57,714 and an average income of $69,971. This is slightly above the national average, and compares to a median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $63,670 for the median and $77,192 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly income sat at the 78th percentile ($995 weekly), and household income was at the 54th percentile. The weekly earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 is the largest cohort, covering 37.0% of the community ( individuals), compared to across the region. Housing costs account for of income, leaving disposable income at the st percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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According to the latest Census, residential properties in the suburb of Islington consisted of 56.1% detached houses and 43.8% alternative formats (including apartments and semi-detached dwellings), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership was lower than the regional rate at 20.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 31.7% and rentals accounting for 47.8%. The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, coming in at $2,000, while median weekly rent was $430 compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Islington exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are notably higher than the national median of $375.

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Families make up 53.7% of all households, consisting of 17.7% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 10.1% single parents. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 46.3% of homes, with single-person households at 33.6% and shared group households at 12.6%. The median household size is 2.1 persons, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Residents in the suburb of Islington hold university degrees at a rate of 41.4% among those aged 15+, which is significantly higher than the 21.3% recorded in the Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. This education profile positions the community well for jobs in knowledge-based fields. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational training is also common, with 31.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of 10.9% with advanced diplomas and 20.6% holding certificates.

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Analysis of transit options shows 19 active bus stops within the suburb of Islington, operating across 15 separate routes and serving 1,061 passenger trips each week. Transport access is high, with average distances to the nearest stop being 140 meters. The area is mainly residential, with most workers commuting out of the suburb. Private vehicles are the main transport method at 84%, while 5% of residents walk and 5% cycle. The average vehicle ownership is 1.0 per household, which is below the regional average. A total of 33.8% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

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Mortality data and chronic illness rates compiled by Districts indicate that the suburb of Islington faces key health issues, with common ailments affecting both younger and older age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 55% of the population (~1,266 people), which compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

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The suburb of Islington has lower cultural diversity than typical areas, with 86.0% of residents born in Australia, 91.2% holding citizenship, and 93.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 28.1% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.0% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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The median age in the suburb of Islington is 34, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, there is a high concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 (23.9% locally) and a lower proportion of people aged 65 - 74 (6.9%). The local 25 - 34 cohort is also higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 22.1% to 23.9% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 15.5% to 16.6%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group fell from to , and the to cohort decreased from to . Projections to suggest further changes, with the to age group expected to increase by people () from to while the numbers of residents in both the to and to brackets are projected to decrease.

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Islington currently has an estimated 118 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 77 children aged 0-2 and 51 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 139 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 144. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.